Ambassador
Paul Badjie, Executive Secretary of the Senegalo-Gambia permanent secretariat,
has said one of their mandates is to ensure real integration between The Gambia
and Senegal, in the interest of both states.
Speaking
in an exclusive interview with this paper, Badjie said setting up the office
was meant to realise real integration between the two countries, based on the
long historical ties between the two nations.
According
to Ambassador Badjie, Senegalese and The Gambians are one people living in two
states, adding that the Senegalo-Gambia permanent secretariat is called a
common house.
“We work on a framework agreement signed by
the two heads of state and protocol on the functioning and the organisation of
the office.”
The
vision is for a model of integration, because The Gambia and Senegal are one
people who share the same common goals and culture, norms and values.
Badjie
also said their work is based on the principle of respect for national
sovereignty of the two states. His office would not do anything without the
approval of the two heads of state, as the office respects the engagement and
commitment to neutrality and equity towards the two countries.
They
also work based on the principle of transparency and good governance.
His
office comprises an executive secretary from Senegal, deputy executive
secretary from The Gambia and four directors in charge of political functions
and cultural affairs.
A
director in charge of communication, infrastructure and environment is
appointed by Senegal and two other directors are appointed by The Gambia. These
will be in charge of trade and economic issues; defense and security.
All
this is geared towards harmonizing the two countries’ activities, and also to
work for fruitful cooperation.
On
the bilateral meeting organised by the two customs administrations, he said
there are important benefits attached to the bilateral meeting, citing issues
like transit and cross-border trade, export and re-exports, and free movement
of people and goods between the two countries, as well as the issue of the
trans-Gambia bridge.
He
commended the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) and Senegal Customs Administration
for organizing the bilateral meeting, describing the conclave as one of the
most successful meetings ever conducted between them.
He
encouraged both customs administrations to be making follow-ups on the
recommendations, so as to ensure they are respected and implemented to the
letter.
Badjie
also called for more sensitization programmes at the grassroots on the free
movement of people and goods.
