The United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Sunday sent warm wishes to Malawians as they celebrated their country’s 55th independence anniversary.

Malawi gained independence from the U.K. on 6 July 1964, becoming the 40th African country to obtain self-rule.

In his statement sent out on Sunday, Pompeo termed the recent Malawi elections as being “successful”, and said the U.S. would continue to enhance relations with the southeastern African nation.

“Malawi’s recent successful national elections underscore the nation’s commitment to our shared democratic principles. These values form the basis of our strong partnership and we look forward to continuing, and building upon, the positive relationship between Malawi and the United States,” Pompeo’s statement said.

Malawi held its presidential election on 21 May, with President Peter Mutharika emerging victorious with Mutharika 38.57% ahead of Lazarus Chakwera who garnered 35.41%.

The opposition rejected the result, claiming irregularities.

President Mutharika was inaugurated for his new term on 31 May.