FROM: U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT
On the Occasion of Switzerland's National Day
Press Statement
John Kerry
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
August 1, 2014
On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of Switzerland on your National Day on August 1.
My affection for your country dates back to my days as a student, living and learning in the Swiss Alps just outside Zurich while my father was posted overseas working for the State Department.
The United States and Switzerland are sister republics, united in common cause by the ideas enshrined in the words of your Ruetlischwur and our Declaration of Independence.
As two of the oldest federal republics in the world, we share core democratic values, including respect for rule of law, minority rights, and individual liberties.
I am proud of the work we do together to support democracy, promote human rights, and provide humanitarian relief and economic development assistance to countries throughout the world.
The United States looks forward to strengthening our partnership in the years to come.
My affection for your country dates back to my days as a student, living and learning in the Swiss Alps just outside Zurich while my father was posted overseas working for the State Department.
The United States and Switzerland are sister republics, united in common cause by the ideas enshrined in the words of your Ruetlischwur and our Declaration of Independence.
As two of the oldest federal republics in the world, we share core democratic values, including respect for rule of law, minority rights, and individual liberties.
I am proud of the work we do together to support democracy, promote human rights, and provide humanitarian relief and economic development assistance to countries throughout the world.
The United States looks forward to strengthening our partnership in the years to come.
