The United States deeply values its warm friendship with Armenia and its people, the U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said in his congratulatory message on the 25th anniversary of Armenia’s independence.

“On behalf of President [Barack] Obama and the American people, I want to extend my congratulations to the people of Armenia as you celebrate the 25th anniversary of your nation’s independence on September 21,” Kerry said on Monday, September 19.

“The United States deeply values its warm friendship with Armenia and with all of you. In the past quarter century, Armenia has made great progress, and my government looks forward to continuing to work closely with you in support of shared prosperity, strong democratic institutions, the rule of law, and regional peace.

“We appreciate Armenia’s consistent support for effective international peacekeeping operations and its leading role in responding to the Syrian refugee crisis. We are also grateful for the presence in the United States of a vibrant and highly-accomplished Armenian-American community,” he added.