Latest news with #249thIndependenceDay
Time of India
16 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
US Consulate celebrates National Day with a reception in Kolkata
The U.S. Consulate in Kolkata hosted a grand reception on Friday evening to celebrate the 249th Independence Day of the United States. The event brought together diplomats, government officials, cultural figures, and prominent members of the city's civil society, marking a vibrant evening of camaraderie and cross-cultural exchange in presence of Manoj Pant, IAS chief secretary to the government of West Bengal. Held with all the ceremonial flair befitting the occasion, the gala underscored the enduring partnership between the United States and India. Reflecting on the journey of America for freedom and as a democracy, Charge D' Affaires Jorgan K Andrews said, 'There is no better place to celebrate America's birthday than here, the world's largest democracy.' 'This is my first time hosting America's national day here in Kolkata and it caps off an amazing and busy year since I arrived in August. Many of you have opened the doors to my team, me and my family and helped us to forge our allies. When we talk about diplomacy, we often think of governments working together and certainly that is true, but certainly what is also true is the real part, the real connections and the real strength comes from the people' - Kathy Giles-Diaz , US Consul General 'This day marks an inspiring journey of freedom and democracy that the US had undertaken since independence. It also gives us an opportunity to reflect on the profound and enduring relationship between the two nations. Our shared values of democracy, liberty and justice are found in the dynamic partnership that we cherish today. West Bengal holds a special place in this shared history being home to one of the oldest American Consulates in the world and the oldest in India established in 1794' -Manoj Pant, IAS, chief secretary to the government of West Bengal
IOL News
7 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
KwaZulu-Natal celebrates US Independence Day with a focus on economic partnerships
KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) MEC Reverend Musa Zondi delivered a message of support at the commemoration of the United States of America's 249th Independence Day in Durban. Image: EDTEA KZN / Facebook During the commemoration of the United States of America's 249th Independence Day, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) MEC Reverend Musa Zondi emphasised the significant investments made by American businesses in South Africa, especially in KwaZulu-Natal. On Tuesday evening, Zondi delivered a message of support on behalf of the KZN government at the commemoration event at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Durban. 'On behalf of the Honourable Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Honourable Thami Ntuli, and the people of our province, I extend warm wishes of peace, prosperity, and enduring friendship to the government and people of the United States of America,' Zondi said. He highlighted the significant investments made by American businesses in South Africa, particularly in KZN. These contributions, he noted, have fostered economic growth and aided families in a province struggling with high unemployment. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading 'Through AGOA, billions of Rands' worth of exports have found their way into American markets, creating a vital trade lifeline. From vehicles to agricultural goods, from our ports to your cities, the connection is real. And beyond commerce, there is the cultural influence - music, film, innovation, that continues to inspire,' Zondi said. He also called for the reaffirmation of sub-national diplomacy, emphasising the importance of strengthening partnerships between provinces like KZN and US states and cities. 'In this regard, we support the revival of the Friendship City Agreement between Durban and Los Angeles. This partnership holds potential for renewed collaboration in port development, maritime education, creative industries, and green logistics. We also hope to expand US investments in key provincial sectors,' Zondi said. US Consulate General in Durban, Consul General Rebecca E Gonzales, with Amajuba District Municipality Mayor Thembelihle Mthembu. Image: Amajuba District Municipality / Facebook Amajuba District Municipality Mayor Thembelihle Mthembu expressed his honour at the chance to participate in the celebration. 'As we celebrated the rich history and enduring spirit of independence that the United States embodies, it is important to reflect on the long-standing and fruitful relationship between our two countries,' Mthembu said. 'Over the decades, the United States has been a vital partner in global development, with its contributions in various sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and governance positively impacting the lives of millions of people around the world, including here in South Africa.' Mthembu said honouring the invitation was more than an expression of diplomacy but an important strategic opportunity for Amajuba. 'As the Amajuba District Municipality continues to focus on its sustainable development goals, it is essential to strengthen our ties with key international stakeholders and agencies who can contribute to our progress. The United States, with its wealth of resources and expertise, remains an invaluable partner for fostering growth, innovation, and prosperity within our region,' Mthembu said. He also said the invitation represents an opportunity where they hope to forge stronger collaborations that can attract investment, improve skills development, and address key socio-economic challenges within Amajuba. 'We look forward to building on this gesture of goodwill and engaging with relevant partners to bring positive, lasting change to our community,' Mthembu said.
The Citizen
04-07-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
‘We are family,' McKenzie says as US celebrates Independence Day
Minister said the biggest test of any relationship is overcoming a crisis Minister of sport, arts and culture Gayton McKenzie at the US embassy's 249th Independence Day celebration in Pretoria on Wednesday. Picture: X/@MrsMaswime Minister of sport, arts and culture Gayton McKenzie has brushed aside tensions between South Africa and the US, calling the two countries 'family'. McKenzie made the remarks in a keynote address at the US embassy's 249th Independence Day celebration in Pretoria on Wednesday. The Independence Day celebrations brought together diplomats, government officials and business leaders to mark the occasion. SA-US family McKenzie said the US is not just a 'friendly country to South Africa but we are family'. 'Friendships can end, but family cannot. Families fight, families differ, families irritate each other, but family is forever.' Crisis McKenzie said the biggest test of any relationship is overcoming a crisis. 'His excellency, President Donald Trump, opened the doors to the White House to hear our side of the recent controversy about farm murders and the claims of an impending genocide here. 'His excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa didn't need to do much but tell the truth and remind Potus that we are the children of Nelson Mandela. Many things might leave us, but his teachings and leadership have shaped who we have become and will still become,' McKeznzie said. ALSO READ: Afrikaner visit to US an 'attempt to sabotage' Ramaphosa's visit' – Presidency 'Kill the Boer' McKenzie said it would be dishonest of him not to address the song 'Kill the Boer'. 'Of all songs sung during the struggle, none has lost its relevance more than Kill the Boer. It has zero place in present-day South Africa. 'I came here today to tell everyone that we ask not to be judged by the worst among us but by the best,' McKenzie said, urging a focus on unity, shared values and common purpose. 'Lessons for SA' McKenzie said America's founding still offers timeless lessons to South Africa. 'The Declaration of Independence's claim that 'all men are created equal' inspired our own anti-apartheid struggle. The US constitution shaped our 1996 constitution. 'America's motto, E Pluribus Unum—'Out of many, one'—mirrors our rainbow nation vision, expressed in the |Xam language of our own motto as 'Diverse people unite'. Both our nations value diversity and freedom,' McKenzie said. ALSO READ: Trump changes tune and 'agrees' to participate in G20 Summit, Ramaphosa says US-SA values US chargé d'affaires David J Greene said the day was a chance to reflect on the values that underpin both nations. 'Independence Day is a time to reflect on the ideals of the American story: liberty, democracy, opportunity. The right of each person to determine their own destiny. These are values that Americans hold dear and ones that resonate here in South Africa – a nation with its own proud, living legacy of fighting for freedom and for fundamental rights for all citizens.' Ideals Greene said the shared ideals between the two countries undergird a longstanding partnership – 'one that spans diplomacy, development and security. And of course, the pursuit of prosperity'. 'South Africa is a continental leader in sports, the arts, and culture – three sectors that are the soul of a nation, define its global image and are increasingly vital to its economy. From Soweto stages to sports arenas, from Cape Town filmmakers to Durban fashion designers, South Africa is setting trends and exporting talent across the globe.' Greene said these industries also help power SA's commercial diplomacy. 'May our shared journey continue – with courage, creativity and common purpose,' Greene said. ALSO READ: WATCH: Donald Trump ambushes Cyril Ramaphosa in Oval Office
Express Tribune
04-06-2025
- General
- Express Tribune
Pakistan–US ties entering new era: PM Shehbaz
Listen to article Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has extended greetings to the United States on its 249th Independence Day, stating that bilateral ties are entering a 'new era' of cooperation and understanding. Speaking at a ceremony hosted by the US Embassy in Islamabad on Wednesday, he congratulated the American people and expressed Pakistan's commitment to further strengthening relations between the two nations. 'On the 249th Independence Day of the United States, I extend heartfelt congratulations,' Sharif said. 'We are committed to further strengthening our relations, and both countries are entering a new era of partnership,' he added. He highlighted the historical ties between the two nations, noting that the United States was among the first countries to recognise Pakistan after its independence in 1947. وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف کا ریاست ہائے متحدہ امریکہ کی آزادی کی 249ویں سالگرہ کی تقریب سے خطاب! — Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) June 4, 2025 'There is a history of Pakistan–US relations,' Sharif said, adding, 'The US is one of the earliest countries to recognise Pakistan.' The prime minister also reflected on Pakistan's sacrifices in the global fight against terrorism, underscoring the toll it has taken on the nation. 'We have suffered immense losses in the war against terrorism,' he said. 'Pakistan's sacrifices in counter-terrorism efforts are second to none.' The event was attended by diplomats, civil and military officials, and members of the Pakistani and international communities.
Daily Tribune
09-04-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain, US celebrate new era of cooperation
TDT | Manama 'Bahrain is truly the home of motorsport in the Middle East,' says His Excellency Steven C. Bondy, the US Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain. Team Bahrain and the US are working hand-in-hand across multiple sectors, driven by the visionary leadership of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. The recent signing of the Comprehensive Security and Economic Partnership Agreement (C-SEPA) marked a major milestone in bilateral relations, establishing a formal framework for deepened cooperation in commerce, science, and technology. Highlighting the robust ties between the two nations, Ambassador Bondy spoke during a reception to commemorate the 249th Independence Day of the US, held at the Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa in Manama last night. The event welcomed prominent dignitaries, including the evening's guest of honor, H.E. Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy, along with several ministers and officials. In his address, Ambassador Bondy emphasised the shared commitment of both countries to regional stability, security, and economic prosperity. Peace-building efforts He praised the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, noting the Kingdom's active role in peace-building efforts, including a pivotal peace summit held in Cairo, which further demonstrated Bahrain's unwavering commitment to regional dialogue and cooperation. The Ambassador also commended Bahrain's recent strides in technological advancement, particularly the successful launch of the Al Munther satellite, calling it 'a monumental achievement that places Bahrain in orbit — both literally and figuratively — among nations investing in future-ready innovation.' Bahrain is also preparing to shine on the global stage this weekend as it hosts another thrilling edition of the Formula 1 Grand Prix. 'Bahrain is truly the home of motorsport in the Middle East,' said Ambassador Bondy, acknowledging the Kingdom's world-class infrastructure and unwavering enthusiasm for the sport.
