Ethiopia's National Day

On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of Ethiopia as you celebrate your national day on May 28.

I will never forget the story of a young Ethiopian woman named Haleta Giday, who I met last year in Washington. She had graduated from one of the best schools in your country. She could have had her pick of jobs. She chose to represent women and children who were the victims of violence. And when Haleta saw how many widows went bankrupt after they lost their husbands, she began a campaign to educate women about their legal and financial rights. Women like Haleta are a testament to the bright future facing your country.

Ethiopia has made great strides to promote economic growth and fight poverty. You are on track to meet most of your Millennium Development Goals this year. You are contributing troops to United Nations and Africa Union peacekeeping missions. And you are hosting refugees fleeing conflict and seeking peace.

The United States continues to work with you to advance basic education, improve health and food security, and promote regional security in Somalia and South Sudan. We are also committed to supporting democracy, human rights, and civil society in Ethiopia.

On this joyous day, I wish all Ethiopians peace and prosperity in the year ahead.