The Senegalese president, Maitre Abdoulie Wade, has extended a message of felicitation to the Gambian leader, Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh, congratulating him on the wonderful performance of the Gambia's U-17, the Baby Scorpions.

The letter addressed to President Jammeh reads:
Mr President and Dear Brother,
Sequel to a brilliant performance, The Gambia has just won the Africa U-17 Cup of Nations, for the second time. I wish in this regard to say how proud I am that the Sister Republic of The Gambia has achieved such a remarkable feat. This without doubt bears eloquent testimony to the validity of Gambian football.

Whilst conveying my warmest congratulations, I pray and hope fervently for the success of the young Gambian football players during the next Junior World Cup slated for Nigeria in which they will be taking part.

Please accept, Mr President and Dear Brother, the assurances of my most fraternal and highest consideration.

Abdoulie Wade, President of the Republic of Senegal

On a separate note, the secretary general of the Organisation of Islamic Conference, Emeleddin Ihsanoglu, wrote a letter to the Gambian  leader, congratulating him on celebrations marking the country's 44th Independence Aniverssary.

The OIC secretary general's message reads:
On the auspicious occasion of the National Day of the Republic of The Gambia, I wish to extend to Your Excellency and to the government and brotherly people of The Gambia, our warmest fraternal greetings and good wishes.

I avail myself of this opportunity to express appreciation of the support extended to the Organisation of the Islamic Conference in the fulfilment of its objectives.

I pray to Almighty Allah for the continued progress and prosperity of the brotherly people of The Gambia under Your Excellency's able leadership and for your good health and happiness.

Please accept, Excellency, the expression of my profound esteem and the assurances of my highest consideration.

Emeleddin Ihsanoglu, Secretary General (OIC)