The following Press Statement was published by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of African Affairs on Aug. 15. It is reproduced in full below.

On behalf of the United States of America, I extend my congratulations to the government and the people of the Republic of the Congo on the 63rd anniversary of your independence on August 15. The United States and the Republic of the Congo cooperate in many areas to advance regional stability and maritime security, global health, and preservation of the Congo Basin Forest and its critical ecosystems. I extend to all Congolese my best wishes for peace and prosperity in the year ahead.

Source: U.S. Department of State, Bureau of African Affairs