The three-day official visit of Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, ended yesterday, when Dr Koroma and his delegation returned. The eventful visit, which saw a lot of engagements in the form of conducted tours of various facilities and installations, as well as other engagements, culminated in a joint communique. We hereunder reproduce part of the joint Communique:
During their tete-a-tete discussion, the two Heads of State reviewed and exchanged views on several bilateral, regional and international issues of common concern.
At the bilateral level, the two Heads of State expressed satisfaction at the excellent relations that exist between their two countries and peoples, and reiterated their resolve to strengthen these bonds further for the benefit of the two sides.
His Excellency President Jammeh seized the opportunity to congratulate, once again, His Excellency President Koroma on his victory at the presidential elections, which were free, fair and peaceful.
At the regional level, the two Heads of State reviewed the political and socio-economic situation in the West African Sub-region, and noted with satisfaction the political stability as well as the social and economic development that many countries in the region enjoy. The two leaders rededicate themselves to working jointly in order to consolidate the gains made by the countries in the sub-region in the areas of peace, political stability and socio-economic development.
The two Heads of State stressed their strong conviction that there can be no development without stability and therefore undertake to co-operate in the fight against all forms of threat to peace, security and progress of the two countries and the West African sub-region.
In reviewing African and global affairs, the two Heads of State reiterated the need for Africans to work together within the framework of the African Union. They also underscored the importance of justice, tolerance, respect for rule of law to global peace and security.
During their stay in The Gambia, His Excellency President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma and delegation visited several projects and facilities including the Kafuta Farms, the Sulayman Junkung Jammeh Hospital in Bwiam, the Brikama Power Plant, the Gunjur Community Fisheries Centre, the Sheraton Hotel, the Sanimentereng AU Villas and the Gambia Ports Authority. President Koroma and his delegation also visited President Jammeh's home village of Kanilai where they toured a Nature Park, plantations and an aquaculture facility.
His Excellency President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma also met with members of the Sierra Leonean community in The Gambia and several other dignitaries.
At the end of the visit, the two Heads of State presided over the signing ceremony of a Framework Agreement on co-operation between The Gambia and Sierra Leone. The Agreement provides for co-operation in various areas including Trade, Energy, Tourism and Culture, Infrastructure, Aquaculture, Fisheries, Livestock, Mining, Industry, Health, Education, Information, Communication, Information Technology, Legal Affairs, Youth and Sports as well as Defence and Security. The Agreement also provides for the establishment of a Gambian - Sierra Leone Joint Commission.
His Excellency President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma expressed his gratitude to President Alhaji Dr. Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh, the Government and the People of The Gambia for the warm reception and generous hospitality extended to him and his delegation during their stay in The Gambia.
His Excellency Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma extended an invitation to His Excellency President Jammeh to a visit to the Republic of Sierra Leone.
His Excellency Alhaff Dr. Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh accepted President Ernest Bai Koroma's invitation to visit Sierra Leone in the near future.
The date for the visit will be determined through diplomatic channels.
