Gambian Parliamentarians Hold Bilateral Talks with Moroccan Counterparts

The Honourable Speaker of the National Assembly Madam Fatoumatta Garba Jahumpa accompanied by the Majority Leader Hon. Fabakary T. Jatta, Minority Leader Hon. Momodou L.K. Sanneh and the Acting Clerk of the National Assembly Mr. Momodou A. Sise visited the Kingdom of Morocco from the 26th to the 30th April 2009 on the invitation of her counterpart, the Speaker of Moroccan House of Representatives, His Excellency Mr. Mustapha Mansouri.

The Honourable Speaker and delegation held many discussions pertinent to bi-lateral relations of the two Parliaments in particular on how to curtail the menace of illegal migration of youths to Europe through North Africa. They also discussed economic and political integration as well as cooperation on other sectors particularly on Fisheries, Education, Culture and Heritage, Trade and Agriculture.

The two Parliaments also considered and resolved to prepare and sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) and to establish a Gambia- Morocco Parliamentary Friendship Association. The delegation also met with the Prime Minister who once visited the Gambia as a special envoy of King Hassan II in 1979.

The Prime Minister hailed the Gambian President Prof. Alhaji Dr. Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh for the achievements he has registered in the areas of Education, infrastructural development among others.

During the audience with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, discussions were centred on the need for unity and closer cooperation between the countries which the two Parliaments have a vital role to play. The Foreign Minister finally assured the Parliament of The Gambia and Morocco of his Ministry's support.

In another engagement, the Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbajan in Morocco, Mr. Sabir Aghabayov, also called on the Honourable Speaker and delegation. Ambassador Aghabayov and the delegation discussed a wide range of issues including the need to establish a Parliamentary Friendship group. He finally extended an invitation to the Honourable Speaker for the Gambia parliamentary delegation to visit Azerbajan. The proposed visit is to be work out through the formal diplomatic channels.

Finally, the Honourable Speaker thanked the Speaker, the government and people of the Kingdom of Morocco for the warm welcome and hospitality accorded her and delegation during their short but fruitful visit in Morocco.