Washington, DC - Secretary of State John Kerry: "On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of Sudan on 60 years of independence and send our sincerest wishes for 2016.

"The American people have a long standing relationship with the Sudanese people and value their diversity, culture and accomplishments over the past year. We will continue to work with the Sudanese people to address humanitarian crises, bring an end to conflicts and encourage local development that benefits all of its peoples.

"I share your hopes for a future free of conflict and I look forward to working in the year ahead to strengthen the bonds between us and contribute towards our shared goals of peace, reconciliation and development in Sudan."