On behalf of President Obama and American people, I am delighted to congratulate the people of Sierra Leone on the 55th anniversary of their country’s independence.

The government, families, and communities of Sierra Leone face a wide range of daunting challenges, yet continue to do the hard and sometimes painstaking work of building a democratic and prosperous society for themselves and for future generations.

The United States is committed to doing its part to help Sierra Leone strengthen its governing institutions, expand economic opportunities, and support the recovery of its health care system. And we are dedicated to deepening the bonds of friendship between our two nations and remaining a partner in Sierra Leone’s pursuit of peace, growth, security, and progress for all its citizens.