You're reading: Obama: Commitment to freedom and shared values a key element of US-Ukraine partnership

 U.S. President Barack Obama has congratulated his Ukrainian counterpart Viktor Yanukovych on Ukraine's Independence Day, the press service of the Ukrainian president has reported.

In his letter to Yanukovych, Obama said that since independence,
Ukraine has taken important steps on the road to building a democracy
and has made vital contributions to global peace and stability.

“Continued commitment to freedom and shared values is a key element of our strategic partnership,” he said.

“We remain dedicated to working with you to build democratic
institutions and the rule of law in Ukraine, to cooperating to advance
global peace and security, and to bolstering the enduring ties between
Ukrainians and Americans,” Obama said.