PORT AU PRINCE, Haiti, (CMC) – The governments of the United States and Canada on Wednesday commemorated Haiti National Day, extending “heartfelt best wishes to Haiti and its people” on the 221st anniversary of the French-speaking Caribbean country’s independence.

“The United States and Haiti enjoy a strong and enduring relationship,” said US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken in a statement. “This day marks an important opportunity to commemorate the Haitian Revolution and Haiti’s long history as a nation.

“The past year brought with it grave challenges, but we were proud to stand with the Haitian people as they pressed forward with hope and determination,” he added. “The people of Haiti have displayed courage and fortitude, and they deserve peace and security.”

Blinken said the United States is committed to supporting Haiti in its fight against gangs and its efforts “to achieve long-term security, a just and Haitian-driven political transition and economic stability.

“The greatest strength of the partnership between our nations lies in our people-to-people ties, reinforced by the Haitian Diaspora in the United States,” he said, stating that the United States will continue to support the people of Haiti, “as they pursue peace, free and fair elections, and economic prosperity.”

Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he joined the Haitian people and Haitian communities in Canada and around the world in celebrating the 221st anniversary of Haiti’s independence.

“Canada is proud to be home to nearly 180,000 Canadians of Haitian descent, one of the largest Haitian diasporas in the world,” he said.

“From coast to coast to coast, their social, economic and cultural contributions – including contributions to the vitality of the French language – make our communities stronger.

“On this occasion, we reaffirm Canada’s commitment to helping the Haitian people restore democracy, security and stability in their country and meet the immediate needs of the most vulnerable,” Trudeau added.

He noted that Canada, during the United Nations (UN) General Assembly last September, announced funding and new measures to increase humanitarian assistance, support programming for women, and help reduce gang violence in Haiti.

“We will continue to mobilize international support for Haitian-led and owned solutions to the ongoing crises facing the country, including through Canada’s presidency of the UN Economic and Social Council for 2024-25,” the Canadian prime minister said.

He also said Canada remains “steadfast” in its support for the Haitian National Police and the Multinational Security Support mission to address violence and re-establish security in Haiti.

“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I offer my best wishes to everyone celebrating Haiti’s Independence Day,” Trudeau said. “Today and every day, Canada stands with the Haitian people as they work to build a brighter future.”