The Gambian leader, His Excellency Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr. Yahya Jammeh has continued to receive more messages of felicitation from people within and outside the country, on the occasion of The Gambia's 48th Independence anniversary.

The latest came from Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia; and Raul Castro Ruz, president of the Council of State and of Ministers of the Republic of Cuba.

The messages read:

On the occasion of the National Day of the Republic of The Gambia, I wish to convey to you, your government and to the people of The Gambia my warmest wishes, together with those of the Australian Government and people.

I am pleased that relations between our countries continue to grow. The Memorandum of Understanding signed in July 2012 reflects the shared values of Australia and The Gambia and embodies the ongoing efforts to broaden cooperation between our countries.

Australia is strongly committed to supporting The Gambia's development and I am delighted that The Gambia continues to benefit from the Australia Awards in Africa scholarship program.

The Australian Government is honoured by the international community's confidence in electing Australia onto the United Nations Security Council for 2013-14. We particularly value the strong support provided by you and your Government to Australia's candidature.

We firmly believe contemporary challenges require global solutions and multilateral institutions, such as the UN, provide the best means for collective solutions. Australia is committed to engaging with The Gambia on issues before the Security Council and looks forward to working together with you on issues of mutual interest in the years ahead.

Ms Quentin Bryce AC

Governor-General of the

Commonwealth of Australia

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On the occasion of the 4th Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of The Gambia, I extend to you cordial congratulations.

I renew to you the assurances of my highest consideration.

Raul Castro Ruz

President of the Council of State and

of Ministers of the Republic of Cuba