Heads of state from around the world sent curated and sincere messages to Israel of honor and congratulations on the country's 73rd Independence Day on Thursday.
US President Joe Biden wished Israel a "wonderful day of celebration," in a letter to Israeli President Reuven Rivlin.
"The United States was the first country to recognize Israel as an independent state on May 14, 1948, and our ties have only grown."
Biden ended his letter calling Israel and the US "united" and "long-standing partners with shared democratic values," and promised that America is "unwavering in its commitment to Israel's security."
"Yom Ha'atzmaut Sameach," Biden signed off.
Vice President Kamala Harris also wished Israel a happy Independence Day on Twitter, writing "After 73 years, the US-Israel bond remains strong and unbreakable. We look forward to building on our friendship and partnership in the years to come. Yom ha’atzmaut sameach!"
Happy Independence Day to Israel. After 73 years, the U.S.-Israel bond remains strong and unbreakable. We look forward to building on our friendship and partnership in the years to come. Yom ha’atzmaut sameach!
— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) April 15, 2021
King Felipe VI of Spain wished for the "peace and prosperity of the precious Jewish people in the State of Israel" and Swiss President Guy Parmelin sent warm wishes to Israel for Independence Day.
Polish President Andrzej Duda noted the old and storied relationship between the two countries in his letter, while Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen wrote about the relationship of trust between the State of Israel and Austria.
Russian President Vladimir Putin wrote in his letter to Rivlin that "The friendly relations between Russia and Israel continue to develop in all areas - for the benefit of our people, for the sake of strengthening peace, security and stability in the Middle East."
Indian President Ram Nath Kovind wrote "Congratulations to the president, the government and the entire people of Israel on the occasion of your Independence Day."
South Korean President Moon Jae-in wished the country "good health and continued success and eternal prosperity for the State of Israel."
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier took the opportunity to "congratulate the State of Israel on its amazing immunization program. I hope that thanks to it, you and the whole nation of Israel will soon be able to return to your familiar routine."
French President Emmanuel Macron wrote to Rivlin that "Israel can be sure that France will always stand by it, and together our countries will continue to progress and develop on the basis of the wonderful friendship to which you have personally contributed so much."
Italian President Sergio Mattarella told Rivlin that Israel demonstrated "exceptional ability" in handling the coronavirus outbreak in the first months of this year, "strengthening our common hope that we can handle it and restore serenity to our communities."
Dutch President Willem-Alexander wished Israel "Strength, courage and health as we work together to deal with the coronavirus."
The King of Tonga Tupou VI sent Rivlin "blessings and sincere wishes for the health and prosperity of the residents of the State of Israel."
Thai King Rama X sent sincere wishes on the occasion of Israel's Independence Day and Canadian Governor-General Richard Wagner wrote that "Canada values the long history of friendliness and cooperation between the two countries."
Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari wrote that, for 73 years, "Israel has excelled in almost all areas of human endeavor," while Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa "ongoing friendship, mutual understanding and fruitful cooperation prevail between our countries."
The president also received letters from ambassadors, Jewish leaders and Jewish organizations from around the world.