On behalf of President Obama and the citizens of the United States, I congratulate the people of Finland on the 98th anniversary of your independence on December 6.

The United States deeply values its friendship with Finland, including our cooperation in supporting international law and UN peacekeeping missions, upholding the territorial integrity of Ukraine, combating terrorism through the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL, promoting mutual prosperity through a proposed Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, and developing an agenda to ensure wise stewardship of Arctic resources.

This year is also a special one for Finnish cultural heritage, as people from across the globe celebrate the 150th anniversary of the birth of violinist and composer Jean Sibelius.

I am confident the friendship between our two countries will continue to deepen and flourish and I wish you the best as you celebrate this special day.