On Europe Day
As delivered by Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Michele Siders
to the Permanent Council, Vienna
May 11, 2017
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
U.S. Secretary of State Tillerson issued a statement on May 9 on the occasion of Europe Day, in which he joined all Americans in offering our best wishes to the citizens of the European Union.
“The United States and the European Union have a strong and enduring partnership based on our shared democratic values, strong economic ties, and mutual commitment to addressing global challenges.
“The United States deeply appreciates the European Union’s role in promoting peace, security, human rights, and prosperity in Europe and around the world. The European Union has stood with us on a full range of international security issues and is an increasingly important partner in countering terrorism and extremism. We work closely with the European Union in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia and coordinate our humanitarian assistance around the world.
“As the cultural bonds between our peoples unite us, so do the many common interests we share.
As we honor the spirit of Europe Day, we value the strong friendship and cooperation between the United States and the European Union.”
I would like to add that the U.S. delegation places great value on the cooperative spirit in which we work with the EU delegation and the delegations of the EU member states. The collegiality that we enjoy is a further indication of the strong bonds between the United States and the European Union.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
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