US President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hilary Clinton on Thursday reiterated the strong US-Israel relationship in messages for its 64th Independence Day.

Noting that the US was the first country to recognize Israel, Obama touted the special relationship between the two countries. "Ours is a unique relationship founded on an unbreakable commitment to Israel’s security, and anchored by our common interests and deeply held values," Obama said in a statement.

While mentioning Israel´s "remarkable achievements over the past six decades," Obama also took the opportunity to reiterate the goal of establishing a Palestinian state alongside Israel.

Israel and the United States´s shared values, he said, guide the efforts "to confront shared challenges and to achieve a just and comprehensive peace based on a two-state solution that will usher in a future of peace, security, and dignity for the people of Israel and its neighbors."

Clinton released a message Thursday saying that "for many around the world, Israel remains a beacon of hope and an inspiring example." Clinton´s congratulatory remarks came as Israel was celebrating its 64th year of independence.

Clinton added that the Israel and the United States "are united by a deep and unbreakable bond based on mutual interests and respect. Our relationship grows stronger every day as we work to promote regional security, create new economic partnerships, increase two-way trade and broaden our energy cooperation."

The US secretary of state continued, "We are steadfast in our commitment to Israel’s security, which is a cornerstone of our foreign policy in the Middle East."

Clinton also sought to reassure Jerusalem that with all of the change in the region following the Arab Spring, the US "will continue to work with you and your neighbors to achieve the shared goal of a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in the Middle East." (© 1995- 2011, The Jerusalem Post 04/26/12)