On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am delighted to send best wishes to the Indonesian people on the 69th anniversary of your independence this August 17.

Indonesia’s thriving democracy and dynamic regional and global leadership are critical to the Asia Pacific and the world. Our Comprehensive Partnership, inaugurated four years ago when President Obama traveled to Indonesia, has produced opportunities for closer cooperation on a wide-range of issues, such as education, security, climate change, energy, and trade. During my last two trips to Indonesia I saw this cooperation first hand, with our two governments and people working together to solve some of the world’s most intractable challenges.

I look forward to building even closer ties between our governments, civil society and people, and continuing our important work together promoting peace, prosperity, and democracy around the world.

I wish all Indonesians a safe and joyous celebration.