‘Gambia, Senegal offer shining example for Africa’s transformation’

The convergence, held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara Conference Centre, was attended by President Macky Sall of Senegal, cabinet ministers from the two countries, service chiefs and technicians from other countries among others.  

“Transportation is a crucial factor in facilitating socio-economic development in various sectors of our economies. We need to further encourage our technicians to hasten the implementation of the recommendations and agreements arising from our Council’s Meetings.”

Officials said the meeting provides an opportunity to review the agreements and commitments concluded during the second Presidential Council Meeting held in Dakar in 2020 and foster a more robust and mutually beneficial relationship.

Domesticating regulations on air transport between Dakar and Banjul, Barrow said, is a clear example of positive action for enhanced socio-economic progress for our people.

“The urgency to strengthen efforts to address the issue of interstate road transport networks between our two countries is equally apparent. It is comforting; however, that we have already taken appropriate steps and measures to ensure that the two countries engage in profitable trade and commercial models.”

Regarding security, peace, and stability, he said practical steps have been taken to cooperate better and address regional and cross-border security issues. “A closer look at the impact of our joint initiatives indicates that, once there is commitment, we can both derive substantial outcomes from our joint ventures.”

The Presidential Council meeting, President Barrow added, represents our collective commitment to consolidate the peace, security, stability, and prosperity of the Senegambia sub region. “In view of the opportunities available through the Banjul-Dakar transport corridor, we should now redouble efforts for more significant results.”

“There is strong evidence that the free movement of people and transport resulting from the Senegambia Bridge supports more fluid trade between the two countries. The lesson is that intensifying trade could be a major game-changer for the prosperity of the two nations. Essentially, therefore, we must continue to address trade-related barriers and the occasional issues that disrupt the smooth conduct of business across our borders.”

“Our countries share a rich history and cultural heritage, which sets a viable foundation for collaboration and understanding. The collaborative areas on our roadmaps, if implemented with a keener sense of purpose, have the potential to uplift the lives and livelihoods of our citizens and further strengthen our bilateral and regional ties.”

“We are aware of the challenges before us, but it is in the face of such challenges that our determination to stand together, united as neighbours and partners, can grow stronger. Working together, we can overcome all obstacles and turn them into opportunities for the greater good.”

“Accordingly, I am confident that the Presidential Council’s conclusions, agreements, and commitments will mitigate the negative impact of the current economic, financial, and food crises that affect our economies.”

President Macky Sall underscored the significance of the Presidential Council Meeting, saying: “Sometimes issues may arise between the two countries. However, it’s important that those responsible for ministries of both countries and ambassadors should be able to solve it within themselves before waiting for the presidents.

Ministers from both countries should in fact have telephone numbers of each other. This will go a long way in ensuring that they to communicate within themselves in addressing issues that may arise.”