On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of Uzbekistan as you celebrate 23 years of independence.

Your Foreign Minister, Abdulaziz Kamilov, visited Washington, D.C., in my first month as Secretary of State. We discussed Uzbekistan’s important role in bringing peace and prosperity to the entire region.

We look forward to working with the people of Uzbekistan in strengthening regional trade and transit links, promoting education, enhancing security, promoting science and technology cooperation, and further deepening our bilateral economic engagement.

I send best wishes for peace and prosperity to all the people of Uzbekistan.