President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has sent a message of congratulations to the Government and people of the Republic of Mozambique, on the occasion commemorating the 41^st Independence Anniversary of that country.

Mozambique annually celebrates Independence Day on June 25, when it gained its independence from Portugal in 1975.

After World War II the colonies of Portugal were not granted independence and were declared to be oversees territory. As many other African countries gradually gained independence from their protectorates, this wave led to the Mozambican War of Independence that lasted from 1964 to 1974.

Mozambique gained independence when the National Salvation Junta replaced Portugal's Estado Novo regime. This event changed political views in Portugal enabling the end of the war in Mozambique. The latter finally gained independence on June 25, 1975.

According to a Foreign Ministry release, in the message to her Mozambican counterpart, H.E. Felipe Nyusi, President Sirleaf extended warmest felicitation and best wishes to the Government and people of Mozambique as that country celebrates another historic occasion in its national history.

The Liberian leader hoped that as H.E. Nyusi and his compatriots observe this auspicious occasion, the bond of friendship and cooperation so happily subsisting between their two countries will be further strengthened for the mutual benefit of their respective peoples.

She prayed that the Almighty God will continue to endow President Nyusi with abundant wisdom to lead his country to nobler heights.