Reporting in a government statement, On behalf of the United States, the Secretary of State congratulated the people of El Salvador on your National Day and celebrated our shared aspiration for a prosperous future. The statement does not address the ongoing debates surrounding El Salvador’s adoption of Bitcoin. Our enduring partnership continues to grow stronger. Under President Nayib Bukele’s leadership, El Salvador’s steadfast commitment to regional security has made our hemisphere safer, including through its participation in the Standing Group of Partners to restore stability in Haiti. The statement does not mention any specific details of this partnership. El Salvador stands with us as a founding member of the Shield of the Americas, defending democratic sovereignty across our hemisphere, and as a member of Pax Silica to drive innovation and secure regional supply chains. The statement does not provide details on the activities within these partnerships.
Context
The Department of State’s release, issued on September 15, 2026, represents a standard diplomatic gesture coinciding with El Salvador’s National Day. The release underscores the United States’ continued engagement with El Salvador, primarily through participation in security and defense initiatives. The emphasis on Bukele’s leadership and El Salvador’s contributions to regional security suggests a desire to highlight a perceived success story within the broader Western Hemisphere strategy. The inclusion of the Shield of the Americas and Pax Silica demonstrates a focus on bolstering alliances against perceived threats to regional stability, particularly in the context of recent events in Haiti. However, the statement remains conspicuously silent on any significant shifts in the U.S.-El Salvador bilateral relationship, particularly regarding economic or political matters. The release does not provide any context for the stated “growing stronger” partnership.
