U.S. President Barack Obama extended his congratulations on Saturday to everyone celebrating Russia Day.

The national Russian holiday 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.

"On behalf of the American people, I extend my best wishes to all those who observe Russia Day," Obama said in a statement.

The U.S. president reiterated that his country and Russia are also celebrating the 65th anniversary of the end of World War II this year and praised the development of relations between two countries.

"Today, our two nations continue in our strong partnership, mutual respect and friendship, and I am proud of the new START Treaty and our joint efforts to reduce our nuclear arsenals. Beyond that, our two nations continue to expand our commercial and economic ties," he said.

Russia and the United States signed a new strategic arms reduction treaty in Prague on April 8. The new START treaty replaced the 1991 pact that expired in December and is expected to bring Moscow and Washington to a new level of cooperation in the field of nuclear disarmament and arms control.

"Here in America, many Americans can trace their origins to Russia, and all of them are an important part of our national identity," President Obama concluded his statement.

WASHINGTON, June 12 (RIA Novosti)