U.S. President Barack Obama has congratulated Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko and the Ukrainian people on the 24th Independence anniversary.

"Over the past year Ukraine has made great strides toward attaining the goals it has held since achieving independence in 1991. While confronting myriad challenges, the people of Ukraine are closer than ever to realizing their shared vision of a free, democratic, and prosperous country firmly integrated in the heart of Europe," Obama emphasized in a statement posted one the website of the Ukrainian head of state on Sunday.

He also reassured that the U.S. will continue supporting Ukraine in this extremely important period of its history.

"Our two nations have worked together to support and protect the right of the Ukrainian people to freely choose their own path forward. As you work to implement critical reforms despite Russia's aggression in the east and occupation of Crimea, the United States will remain steadfast in its support for Ukraine," Obama said.

The U.S. president expressed his certainty that the friendship between the two countries will get stronger as Ukraine continues to make further efforts to develop democratic institutions, promote the rule of law and move towards economic growth.