On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I congratulate the people of Madagascar as you celebrate the anniversary of your independence on June 26.

The United States deeply values its friendship with you and strongly supports your efforts to build prosperity through sustainable economic development and growth. We look forward, in the year ahead, to working closely with you to improve healthcare, protect the environment, and safeguard the security of Madagascar and the entire region.

I wish the Malagasy people a joyful National Day.