The Malian head of state, His Excellency Amadou Toumani Touré, has sent a message to the Gambian leader, His Excellency Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh, acknowledging a message the Gambian leader addressed to him on the the occasion of Mawlud, the birth of the Holy Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (PBH).

The message from President Touré reads:

Your Excellency and Dear Brother,
In the name of the Almighty Allah and the Most Merciful. The celebration of the Mawlud Nabi gave Your Excellency the chance to extend best wishes to the people of Mali, my government and to me on behalf of the people of The Gambia.

In return, I would like to express my sincere thanks and best wishes for Your Excellency's personal wellbeing and for the progress and prosperity of the Gambian people.

Whilst reiterating my commitment towards our personal relationship, please accept Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest and fraternal consideration.

Amadou Toumani Touré
President of the Republic of Mali