President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has sent a message of congratulations and best wishes to the Government and people of the Republic of Benin on the occasion commemorating the 56th Independence Anniversary.

On August 1, the Republic of Benin celebrates its Independence Day to commemorate its freedom from France in 1960. In 1899, the French included the land called French Dahomey within the larger French West Africa colonial region. In 1958, France granted autonomy to the Republic of Dahomey and full independence on August 1, 1960.

According to a Foreign Ministry release, in her message to His Excellency Mr. Patrice Talon, President of the Republic of Benin, President Sirleaf, on behalf of the Government and people of Liberia, and in her own name, extended heartfelt congratulations and best wishes as they celebrate this historic occasion.

The Liberian leader entertained the hope that the cordial relationship subsisting between their two countries and peoples will be further strengthened for the mutual benefit of their two countries.

She prayed that as Benin celebrates this historic occasion, the Almighty God will endow His Excellency Mr. Talon with abundant wisdom and strength as he leads his people to sustainable peace and greater prosperity.