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

August 3^rd is celebrated annually as the Republic of Niger’s Independence Day, marking the nation’s independence from France in 1960. Since 1975, August 3^rd is also Arbor Day, as trees are planted across the nation to aid the fight against desertification.

According to a Foreign Ministry release, in her message to His Excellency Mr. Mahamadou Issoufou, President of the Republic of Niger, President Sirleaf, on behalf of the Government and people of Liberia, and in her own name, extended warmest congratulations through him to the Government and people of Niger as they celebrate their independence.

The Liberian leader hoped that Liberia and Niger’s bond of friendship so happily subsisting between them will continue to grow stronger in the years to come as we look forward to working closely with President Issoufou in fostering peace, security, and economic integration within our sub-region and Africa at large.

President Sirleaf then prayed that the Almighty Allah will endow President Issoufou with peace and harmony as they celebrate the auspicious occasion.