On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of Turkmenistan as you celebrate the 23^nd anniversary of your nation’s independence on October 27.

When Turkmenistan declared its independence in 1991, the United States celebrated your achievement. Later that year, as the last Republics of the Soviet Union declared their independence, President George H.W. Bush declared that “the challenge for us now is to engage these new states in sustaining the peace and building a more prosperous future.”

Twenty-three years later, our two nations have worked together to forge a more peaceful and stable region. We will continue to work closely with you on common goals – from expanding trade and business ties to promoting professional, cultural, and educational exchanges.

I send the people of Turkmenistan best wishes for a future of peace, progress, and prosperity.