Countries Celebrate 250th Anniversary of U.S. Independence

A citizen watches fireworks during the 250th anniversary celebration of U.S. independence at the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on July 5, 2026. [Photo: Reuters & Yonhap]

Countries around the world sent congratulatory messages as the United States marked its 250th anniversary of independence. Leaders from Europe, the Middle East, and Asia highlighted the significance of U.S. Independence Day and the importance of bilateral relations and cooperation.
On July 4, French President Emmanuel Macron shared a photo on X (formerly Twitter) of the French Air Force aerobatic team flying over the Statue of Liberty, extending his congratulations.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated, "The United States is a nation built on freedom, democracy, and responsibility. Germany and the United States have always maintained a close friendship, and the transatlantic partnership is essential, especially in difficult times."
The British Foreign Office posted a message on X featuring the American flag alongside the numbers '1776' and '2026,' referring to the U.S. as its "closest ally." King Charles III also issued a statement celebrating the day as a commemoration of the journey and achievements of the United States over the past 250 years.
Leaders from conflict-affected nations, including Ukraine, Russia, and Israel, also sent messages. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described U.S. Independence Day as a symbol of freedom, prosperity, and the rights of the people. Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a congratulatory message to President Donald Trump, wishing happiness and prosperity for the American people. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated in a video message that "the United States is the greatest guardian of freedom in the modern world."
Middle Eastern nations, which have recently experienced heightened tensions with the U.S., also emphasized friendly relations. The United Arab Emirates highlighted its ongoing partnership with the United States, while Saudi Arabia wished for America's prosperity. Qatar and Pakistan, which have played mediating roles in negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, also sent congratulatory messages.
Leaders from major Asian countries underscored their cooperative ties with the U.S. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi noted that shared values of democracy and the rule of law form the foundation of cooperation between the two nations. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi mentioned Japan's gift of 250 cherry trees to the U.S., expressing a commitment to further strengthen bilateral cooperation.
President Lee Jae-myung also extended his congratulations on the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, stating, "I send my best wishes to President Donald Trump and the American people. Together with President Trump, I aim to achieve a new leap in the Korea-U.S. alliance based on shared values and strong trust, contributing to peace and mutual prosperity on the Korean Peninsula and around the world."

* This article has been translated by AI.