On behalf of the American people, I send best wishes to the people of Mauritania on the 54^th anniversary of your independence on November 28.

Mauritania and the United States have a strong partnership founded on shared interests for regional peace and security, and countering the spread of Ebola in West Africa.

Last August, I hosted President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz in Washington at the U.S. – African Leaders Conference. I thanked President Aziz for his work in crafting a ceasefire agreement in Mali and for your country’s commitment to counterterrorism efforts throughout the Sahel.

I look forward to working with the Mauritania government and civil society to expand trade and increase prosperity for all Mauritanians in the years ahead.

On this day of celebration, I wish all Mauritanians a joyful Independence Day.