Srilanka, July 27 -- As Liberia commemorates its 179th Independence Day, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai continues to receive messages of congratulations and goodwill from world leaders, including a message from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who reaffirmed Washington's commitment to its longstanding partnership with Liberia.

In a statement released Sunday through the U.S. Department of State, Secretary Rubio congratulated the Liberian people on the country's independence anniversary and emphasized the enduring friendship between the two nations.

"On behalf of the United States of America, I extend congratulations to the people of Liberia on your country's 179th year of independence," Rubio said.

He noted that the United States re...