It is a widely held belief that ties based on mutual trust, understanding helps yield positive results.
The Gambia and the United States of America established diplomatic relations on 9th August, 1965, when Ambassador Mercer Cook presented his credentials to Gambian authorities.
Since then the ties between Banjul and Wasgington continue to flourish in a number of areas, from development ties to people-to-people interaction, among others.
This relationship has become even stronger than ever before, as evident by the presence of hundreds of Gambian students in the U.S.
The U.S. government in the past has supported The Gambia in a number of areas from education, to health, military and other areas that contributed immensely to the socio-economic development of Gambians.
It is in the news that Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway, mayor of Madison,Wisconsin in the United States of America accompanied by a high powered delegation is currently on a six-day visit to The Gambia.
The U.S. delegation is in the country as guests of the Kanifing Municipal Council.
The Banjul visit is not only timely and important, but would go a long way in bolstering bonds and ties with its sister city across the Atlantic in the U.S.
The visit would also help both cities to exchange expertise as well as share inspiration and best practices as far as development is concerned.
What makes this visit even more encouraging is the fact that U.S. officials have expressed resolve to support in a number of areas including women gardeners at Bakau women garden.
However, Madison Mayor acknowledged that KM has a lot in common with her city in terms of infrastructural development during a meeting with officials at the Council's Chambers recently.
Accessible housing and other infrastructural developments posed great challenges to officials, especially fast-growing municipalities.
KMC officials could take a cue and learn a lot from the Madison delegation in addressing some of its housing challenges.
Another area of concern which we hope our officials could learn from their U.S. counterparts is creating opportunities for young people.
It is a fact that growing municipalities around the globe are also faced with rising crime rates. And KM is not an exception in view of its growing population with people of different diverse backgrounds.
And we hope, Madison delegation also makes best use of this trip by exploring key areas, especially our rich Gambian cultures.