The governments of The Gambia and Senegal have committed themselves to raising the two countries bilateral relations to a strategic partnership, during President Adama Barrow’s recent visit to Senegal.
In a joint communiqué endorsed by the
foreign ministers of The Gambia and Senegal, Ousainou Darboe and Mankeur Ndiaye
respectively, the two heads of state agreed to establish a presidential
council, which would meet every six months, alternatively in The Gambia and
Senegal.
The council to be jointly chaired by the
two heads of state will examine all issues of bilateral interest and provide
guidance to the two governments for deepening cooperation.
The Senegalo-Gambian Permanent Committee,
co-chaired by the Vice President of The Gambia and the Prime Minister of
Senegal, will be responsible for monitoring the execution of the decisions of
the Presidential Council.
According the communiqué, the two leaders
also expressed their resolve to expedite the completion of the Trans-Gambia
Bridge project, Adjoined Border Control Posts and the establishment of the
Senegal-Gambia Border Management Commission.
The two heads of state also signed
agreements in the areas of defense and security, tourism and consular affairs,
as well as air and maritime transport. Draft agreements on justice, fisheries,
transport and forestry was also discussed.
The two leaders reaffirmed their strong
commitment to promoting peaceful coexistence, good neighbourliness and
brotherly relations based on mutual respect and trust.
