On behalf of the United States of America, I congratulate the people of the Kingdom of Tonga as you mark the 148th anniversary of the adoption of your nation's constitution on November 4, 1875.
With the opening of U.S. Embassy Nuku'alofa earlier this year, the United States has begun deepening our long-standing partnership based upon shared values and close cooperation. I witnessed the depth of the people-to-people exchanges during my trip to dedicate the embassy in July. With the return of Peace Corps volunteers, newly-arrived permanent staff at our Embassy, and a Fulbright scholar working on disaster risk reduction, I am confident that the ties between the United States and the Kingdom of Tonga will grow stronger than ever.
My warmest wishes are with all citizens of the Kingdom of Tonga on this happy day.
