On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I send best wishes to all Brazilians as you celebrate your national day on September 7.

More than two decades ago, I visited Brazil for the first time as part of the U.S. delegation to the Rio Summit – the first time the community of nations united to address climate change. When I visited Brazil in August, I had the opportunity to meet with government leaders and students, and to discuss our shared interest in advancing economic opportunity, environmental protection, and research and innovation.

I was particularly impressed with the progress made by Brazil in fostering education exchange and cooperation under President Rousseff’s Brazil Scientific Mobility Program. These are the types of connections that form the basis of the enduring partnership between the Brazilian and American people.

As you celebrate this special day, I offer all Brazilians my warmest wishes.