On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of the Kyrgyz Republic on your Independence Day on August 31. The United States was among the first nations to recognize the Kyrgyz Republic’s independence 22 years ago, and our friendship and partnership have grown steadily ever since.

The United States and the Kyrgyz Republic share many binding ties: a commitment to democracy, a respect for pluralism, and a belief in political and economic opportunity for all.

A stable and prosperous Kyrgyz Republic can serve as a model for the region. The United States supports the Kyrgyz Republic’s economic and democratic development, and we will continue our work to support regional security and stability. In the years ahead, we look forward to deepening our cooperation for the benefit of both peoples.

I wish all the people of the Kyrgyz Republic a joyous day of national celebration and a year of peace, progress, and prosperity.