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President Barack Obama prepares to leave following his interview with The Associated Press, Thursday, July 2, 2009, in the West Wing of the White House in Washington. AP Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko, on behalf of the Ukrainian people and on his own behalf, has congratulated U.S. President Barack Obama on a national holiday – Independence Day.

"Several centuries ago, freedom and independence have become a reliable basis for the confident movement of your state into the future. Today, as before, the American nation continues demonstrating its devotion to democratic ideals, trust in the victory of major human values, and insistence in fulfilling its tasks and goals," reads a letter of congratulation sent to Obama, the press service of the Ukrainian president reported on Saturday.

"We highly appreciate your country's assistance to Ukraine in developing its democracy, and preserving the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our state. We are deeply grateful to the United States for its decisive support for the foreign political priorities of Ukraine, particularly its integration with the EuroAtlantic structures, the international recognition of the Famine of 1932-1933 in Ukraine, and ensuring its energy security," Yushchenko said.

He expressed confidence that the dialogue between the two states would be developing in the spirit of a dynamic strategic partnership, friendship and mutual understanding.

"I'm confident that together, we'll be able to tackle global challenges currently restraining the movement of nations to prosperity and jeopardizing stability and security around the world," Yushchenko said.

The Ukrainian president wished his U.S. colleague good health, inspiration, and professional achievements, as well as peace, consent and prosperity to the friendly American nation.