US secretary of state Hillary Clinton on Thursday published a letter congratulating Israel on its 64th Independence Day.

"On behalf of President Obama and the American people I am pleased to congratulate the people of Israel on their 64th Independence Day 64," Clinton wrote. "For many around the world, Israel was a beacon of hope and a inspiring country."

Clinton added that Israel and the United States share a deep and indisputable bond of shared interests and respect.

"Our relationship grows stronger every day as we work to promote regional security and create new economic partnerships, increase trade, and expand cooperation in the energy field," she wrote.

Clinton noted that last year, people across the Middle East and North Africa demanded the right to freedom.

"As you celebrate your Independence Day," she wrote, "and the changes around you continue, you know that the United States stands with you to embrace new opportunities for dealing with difficult challenges you face.. and your neighbors in achieving the common goal of lasting peace in the Middle East."

Clinton also repeated the Obama administrations mantra that the United States remains firmly committed to Israel´s security saying that Israel is "the cornerstone of our foreign policy in the Middle East."

She concluded, "Congratulations and best wishes of peace and prosperity in the coming years." (IsraelNationalNews © 2012 04/26/12)