Former Spanish Foreign Minister meets President Jammeh

Former Spanish foreign minister Wednesday met the Gambian leader, President Yahya Jammeh, at his home village of Kanilai.

Miguel Angel Moratinos told waiting reporters, shortly after meeting President Jammeh, that he is in Banjul to deliver two important messages to The Gambia leader on bilateral relations between the two countries, and of his intention to vie for the position of FAO Director General.

According to him, the bilateral relationship between The Gambia and Spain continues to grow and will be broadened. He said the leaders of the two countries will work closely through diplomatic channels on political, economic, tourism and cultural sectors.

Moratinos also told journalists that he discussed with the Gambian leader about his intention to vie for the position of FAO Director General.

"President Jammeh is not only a president but is one of the African leaders who have the vision that people must go back to the land. This is key in his agenda for the prosperity and wealth of the African continent," he said, adding that this can be seen in the way President Jammeh implements his agricultural policy in the country.

He announced that the Gambian leader was very much in favour of his intention, because he has the vision that agriculture is a key sector for the future for Africa and the international community in general.

In his view, in this 21st century, food and agriculture are going to be strategic issues.

"Thus, food and agriculture is the salvation for the international community, and as much as we increase the agricultural production and investment, we will have the opportunity to eradicate poverty and hunger."

This, he added, will be his priority if he becomes FAO Director General.