The president of the Syrian Arab Republic, His Excellency Bashar Al-Assad, has sent a congratulatory message to the Gambian leader, Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh, on the celebrations of the blessed Maulud, the birthday of the prophet of Islam, Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).

Below we reproduce the full text of the message.

Your Excellency,
Assalamu Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuhu.
While the Muslim Ummah celebrates the happy occasion of the Milad of Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) I have great pleasure in extending, on behalf of the Syrian Arab people and on my own behalf, our sincere greetings to Your Excellency and to your friendly people.

May Allah the Almighty bestow his blessings on you and your people and lead us on the right path of safeguarding the unity of the Islamic Ummah. With my highest esteem.