AFRICOM PAO Note: This statement by Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton is being posted on the U.S. Africa Command website in the interest of explaining U.S. foreign policy with African nations. The role of U.S. Africa Command is to coordinate ongoing Defense Department support for U.S. foreign policy. On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I congratulate the people of Cameroon as you celebrate your fiftieth anniversary of independence on May 20. This is an opportunity to salute the people of Cameroon's many accomplishments. Our two nations share a broad partnership that reflects a long history of friendship and engagement. The United States remains committed to working with the Cameroonian Government as it seeks to strengthen democracy, governance, and rule of law. The ties between our countries are also strengthened by our ongoing military and security cooperation. We commend Cameroon for its support of the UN Mission in Haiti, MINUSTAH, and for its vital role in addressing regional maritime security threats as part of the Economic Community for Central African States. We commend Cameroon's cooperation with Nigeria and the historic steps to demark the Cameroon-Nigeria border. As the single largest investor in Cameroon, the United States values our economic partnership that has fostered investment and created new jobs and opportunities for both Cameroonians and Americans. Cameroon has warmly welcomed our Peace Corps volunteers for nearly forty-nine years. We are proud of the more than 3,000 Americans who have partnered with the people of Cameroon to improve the quality of their lives by building cultural bridges, and strengthening capacity and development. On this historic occasion, I offer the best wishes of the American people for a safe and joyous Fiftieth Anniversary, and I reaffirm the commitment of the United States to our enduring friendship.