British Queen congratulates Sleiman

Queen Elizabeth has congratulated Lebanon President Michel Sleiman on the nation's 69th Independence day. According to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the "warm personal message" was sent with the Queen's hopes for Lebanon's stability and prosperity in the coming year. Earlier this year, Lebanon hosted the largest celebration of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee anywhere in the Middle East, with over 50 events throughout Beirut. British Ambassador to Lebanon Tom Fletcher said: "Her Majesty’s message to the President is an indication of the growing bond between our two countries, and our confidence in an ambitious and pioneering partnership. We have a shared interest in Lebanon‘s resilience amid a turbulent region." Lebanon became an independent nation on November 22, 1943, after securing liberation from the French Mandate.