President Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh has conferred honourary national insignias on his Zambian and Cape Verdian counterparts, who left Banjul yesterday after attending the celebrations, marking the country's 43rd years of nationhood.

President Levy Mwanawasa of Zambia and President Pedro Pires of Cape Verde were each conferred the Grand Commander of the Republic of The Gambia at a spectacular state banquet hosted by President Jammeh, at the Kairaba Beach Hotel on Monday night.

The insignias were conferred on the two leaders in recognition of their contribution towards the political evolution of their respective countries and for attending The Gambia's independence anniversary celebration.

President Jammeh himself took the centre stage to decorate the two African leaders with the insignias which grew a rousing endorsement from the dignitaries and distinguished guests.

At the ceremony, the president, who is the Grand Master of the Republic of The Gambia, also conferred the officer of the national order on General Momodou Fall, chief of defence staff of the Senegalese Armed Forces and then conferred a member of the national order on Major General Oseriko Nasuto, deputy chief of defence staff of the Guinea Bissau Armed Forces.

The banquet - moderated by Ardy Fatty of GRTS - was also attended by the three first ladies, the vice president, Speacker of the National Assembly, secretaries of state, service chiefs, members of the diplomatic community, among other dignitaries.

A number of Gambian artists, including Jaliba Kuyateh, Mam Tamsir Njie, Batiyai, and the Gambia Police Band gave the evening its true meaning, after their remarkable performances.