On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of Chad as you commemorate 53 years of independence this August 11.

The United States and Chad share a common commitment to peace, prosperity and stability for the people of Chad and throughout the region. In the coming year, we look forward to deepening our partnership on issues of mutual concern, from counterterrorism to promoting human rights to combating the surge in wildlifetrafficking, which stands as a grim reminder of our capacity to inflict harm on the natural world.　

As you gather with family and friends, I wish the people of Chad a joyous and festive national day celebration.