President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has warmly congratulated the Government and people of the Kingdom of Morocco on the occasion commemorating their 60^th Independence Anniversary on Friday, November 18.

The day celebrates the anniversary of the declaration of independence of Morocco from Spain and France in 1956. The territory of Morocco was divided between France and Spain by the Treaty of Fez in 1912. The disputes over the administration of Morocco began between these two countries as early as 1830.

France granted independence to its protectorate on March 2, 1956. Independence of the Spanish protectorate was negotiated separately and Spain granted it to its protectorate on April 7, 1956. Although Morocco became independent country in the spring of 1956, Independence Day is actually celebrated on November 18. This date was chosen to celebrate the return of Sultan Mohammed V from exile.

According to a Foreign Ministry release, in the message addressed to His Majesty King Mohamed VI, President Sirleaf, on behalf of the Government and people of Liberia, extended heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to His Majesty, and through him, to the Government and people of the Kingdom of Morocco, on the occasion of the 60^th Independence Anniversary.

The Liberian leader looks forward to further strengthening the already excellent bilateral ties subsisting between the two countries for the mutual benefit of their respective peoples.  Moreover, she acknowledged with appreciation the strong partnership between the two countries, particularly, in international affairs, which she hopes will cultivate extensive bilateral engagements, as they collaborate in furtherance of peace, security and global economic development within the context of the United Nations.

President Sirleaf prayed that the Almighty Allah will endow His Majesty with abundant wisdom and strength as he leads his compatriots to greater prosperity.