The welcoming function was held at the Banjul City Council conference hall yesterday 27 June, as the visit of Mayor José Medina Lobato marked a significant milestone in strengthening the cooperation between the two cities.
In honour of the visit, the Banjul City Council organised a series of key events aimed at fostering a robust partnership between Banjul and Bissau.
The events included bilateral discussions focused on mutual interests and the official signing of cooperation agreement, underscoring shared commitment to collaborative growth.
In addition to formal meetings held, the itinerary provided opportunities for the visiting delegates to interact with council members and the local community in both formal and informal settings.
“This will not only enhance diplomatic relations but also create a platform for cultural exchange and mutual understanding,” said Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe.
“This visit represents a pivotal step in promoting international relations and collaborative efforts that will drive mutual growth and development. We anticipate that this strengthened partnership will unlock numerous opportunities for our community in various sectors, including trade, sports, and culture.”
In his statement, Mayor José Medina Lobato expressed his gratitude, saying: "I want to personally thank my counterpart and everyone … in Banjul. From this visit onward, we will begin a new phase of cooperation between Bissau and The Gambia. The relationship between our two nations is already very strong, and this visit aims to further strengthen it in all aspects. We are taking a significant step towards enhancing our partnership by starting to implement agreements that will solidify our bond and work together towards a brighter future."
For her part, Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe said her esteemed guests would have the opportunity to explore the beauty of Crab Island and witness the digital transformation of BCC revenue collection systems.
“This transformation underscores our unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability,” she said. “Our city takes great pride in the Youth Volunteerism Project, which is spearheading positive change. Beneficiaries of this project are undergoing valuable training abroad, equipping them with skills that will benefit our community.”
Mayor Lowe indicated that they are dedicated to empowering women by providing essential resources such as boreholes in various communities.
The initiative, she said, improves access to clean water and supports the overall well-being of the residents. “We warmly welcome the idea of partnership, believing that through collaboration, we can achieve significant milestones together,” she noted.
Wrapping up her remarks, Mayor Lowe extended heartfelt thanks to President Adama Barrow and the President of Bissau for fostering a strong relationship between the two nations.
“Their support and collaboration are instrumental in driving our city’s progress and development,” she affirmed, saying: “Together, we can accomplish great things, and we are excited about the future prospects of these partnerships.”
At the conclusion of the official welcome, the two Mayors agreed upon and signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on the development of both cities.
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