On the occasion of Lebanon’s 80th Independence Day, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken extended his “best wishes to the people of Lebanon on their Independence Day.”

“We know you are marking this moment in a challenging regional security climate and that this is the second National Day that has passed without the election of a President,” Blinken said in a statement.

“To the Lebanese people, whose friendship is dear to the United States: your values, hard work, and commitment to your country have helped you overcome many challenges over the last 80 years, including at the present moment. You deserve a better future,”he added.

“The United States will continue to partner with you to promote peace, lower tensions in the region, and realize our shared hope of security, prosperity, freedom, and good governance for the Lebanese people,” he concluded.