The president of the Phillipines, Her Excellency Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, has written to His Excellency President Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh, stating her appreciation for his expression of sympathy over the suffering and destruction visited on her country by a recent typhoon.

Bellow we reproduce the full content of the letter.

Your Excellency, I wish to thank you for your heartfelt sympathies and condolences for the invaluable loss of human lives and destruction of property caused by the recent typhoon that hit our country.

In this most sorrowful moment, Your Excellency's expression of solidarity truly provides comfort and strength to those whose lives have been drastically affected by the typhoon.

As my government and people proceed with the task of rehabilitating the lives and rebuilding the communities affected by the typhoon, we are truly grateful to our friends in the International Community who stand by us on our journey towards full recovery.

Accept, Your Excellency, the renewed assurances of my highest consideration and esteem.