"On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I would like to convey my best wishes to the people of Myanmar on your independence day this January 4," Kerry stated.
The US secretary of state also congratulated Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, on holding successful parliamentary elections on November 8.
"We will continue to work with Myanmar to strengthen democratic institutions, promote and protect human rights and support broad-based, inclusive economic development," he added.
However, Myanmar continues to draw closer to Russia and China rather than to the United States, according to media reports. This week, Myanmar concluded deals with the giant Chinese CITIC Group Corporation to create a new economic zone in the western part of the country.