WASHINGTON D.C. (BNO NEWS) – U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton congratulated the people of Venezuela on its 199 anniversary of independence on Monday.

“I wish all Venezuelan citizens everywhere a safe and happy independence day. And I hope that our cultural and familial bonds will only grow deeper in the years to come,” Clinton said. “The cultural ties between United States and Venezuela are deep and enduring, and it is fitting that we celebrate our independence anniversaries within one day of each other.”

Clinton remarked that the U.S. and Venezuela share a common history of emancipation and democratic aspiration. She also reminded to follow the high ideals of their founders and patriots as well as the promise of democracy.

On July 5, 1811, the Congress of Venezuelan provinces declared Venezuela’s independence from Spain, a resolution that caused a civil war and a blockade from Spain. However, thanks to the efforts of young leaders like Simon Bolivar, the independence was consolidated and the Republic of Venezuela was born.

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