His Excellency the president of the Republic of Mali, Amadou Toumani Toure, has expressed appreciation to the Gambian leader, His Excellency Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya AJJ Jammeh, for the message sent to him and the people of Mali during the celebration of their National Day.

The message reads: It is with much appreciation that I received the correspondence that you addressed to the Malian people wishing me your sincere congratulations and best wishes and happiness in the celebration of Mali?s accession to Independence 49 year ago.

In return, I wish to thank you wholeheartedly and to express the wish to see the bonds of friendship and cooperation that so happily exist between The Gambia and Mali further strengthened. While reiterating my will to strengthen our relations, please accept, Mr President, the assurances of my highest consideration.