On July 1, 2025, the United States government marked an important milestone in its relationship with Burundi, the small landlocked country in East Africa, by extending congratulations on its 63rd anniversary of independence. The Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, issued a statement expressing the U.S. value for its partnership with Burundi and commitment to promoting durable peace and economic growth in the Great Lakes region.
According to the Press Statement released by the Office of the Spokesperson, the United States recognizes Burundi’s significant progress since gaining independence in 1962. The country has made notable strides in consolidating its democratic institutions, improving economic stability, and enhancing regional cooperation. These achievements have created a foundation for strengthened bilateral ties between the U.S. and Burundi.
The Secretary of State highlighted the importance of fostering peace, stability, and prosperity in the Great Lakes region. He emphasized that the United States will continue to work closely with Burundi and other regional partners to address the challenges facing the region, including conflict resolution, economic development, and security.
Key Objectives of U.S.-Burundian Cooperation
- Support durable peace and conflict resolution in the Great Lakes region.
- Promote economic growth and development through trade, investment, and infrastructure projects.
- Enhance regional cooperation on security issues, including counter-terrorism and border management.
The U.S. government is committed to supporting Burundi’s efforts to strengthen its democratic institutions, improve the rule of law, and promote social justice. The Secretary of State pledged that the United States will continue to provide technical assistance and support to Burundian institutions to help them build capacity and address pressing development challenges.
Marco Rubio concluded by expressing his confidence in the future of U.S.-Burundian relations, emphasizing that the two countries share a common interest in promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the region. He looked forward to continuing to work closely with Burundi’s government and people to achieve these goals.
Conclusion
The United States’ celebration of Burundian independence marks an important milestone in its long-standing relationship with the country. As the Secretary of State emphasized, the two countries share a common vision for promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the Great Lakes region. The U.S. government remains committed to supporting Burundi’s efforts to consolidate its democratic institutions and address pressing development challenges.