Secretary of State of the United States Hillary Clinton has extended her congratulations to the people of Russia celebrating Russia Day on June 12.
"On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I am delighted to congratulate all Russians as you celebrate the Day of Russia this June 12. This is an occasion to honor your rich history and culture, and an opportunity to mark the progress we have made together toward a new relationship based on mutual respect and mutual interest," she said in a statement.
The national Russian holiday, Russia Day, has been celebrated since 1992. It was introduced to mark the official declaration of sovereignty of the Russian Soviet Federal Republic on June 12, 1990.
The U.S. secretary of state outlined the progress in relations between the two countries over the past 12 months, including a new strategic nuclear arms reduction treaty, an agreement on the use of the peaceful nuclear energy and trade cooperation.
"We made significant progress together toward increased two-way trade and investment and toward Russia's accession to the World Trade Organization. Entrepreneurs, educators, artists, athletes, scientists and bloggers have helped strengthen the bonds between our societies and our countries," Clinton said.
Although, she said, "Americans and Russians will not agree on every issue," both nations are facing the same challenges in the 21st century.
"As you celebrate the Day of Russia, I send all Russians my warmest wishes for a peaceful, productive and prosperous year to come," she concluded.
WASHINGTON, June 10 (RIA Novosti)
