President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has sent a Congratulatory Message to her colleague, the President of the Federal Islamic Republic of the Comoros, His Excellency Mr. Azali Assoumani on the occasion of that country’s 42^nd Independence Anniversary on July 6.

The Comoros celebrates its Independence Day on July 6, when it gained independence from France in 1975. The Union of the Comoros consists of four islands: Grande Comore, Mohéli, Anjouan and Mayotte.

In 1973 France and the Comoros agreed on gaining independence, that would come into effect in 1978. However, the referendums were held on all four islands and majority of the population of three islands voted for independence, while inhabitants of Mayotte were against it. Such, France granted independence in 1975. Since inhabitants of Mayotte were against independence, the island is still administered by France.

According to a Foreign Ministry release, President Sirleaf, on behalf of the Government and people of Liberia and in her own name, extended heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to President Assoumani, and through him, the Government and the resilient people of the Comoros as they observe this historic occasion.

The Liberian leader said, “As we join you and your compatriots in observing this momentous occasion, it is my fervent prayer that the bonds of friendship and cooperation so happily subsisting between our two countries in the spirit of regional bilateral ties and cooperation will be strengthen in furtherance of the principles of promoting international peace and security among all nations.”

She then prayed that the Almighty Allah will continue to endow President Assoumani with abundant wisdom and strength as he leads his people to greater heights.