By Makutu Manneh
Upon receiving Ousmane Sonko, the Prime Minister of Senegal at State House on Friday 20th December 2024, President Adama Barrow said Gambia and Senegal should be the example for African integration and Pan-Africanism, because of the unique relationship between the two countries and their shared values, culture and languages.
President Barrow called on The Gambia and Senegalese officials to work towards strengthening the historic ties between the two countries and to sustain the achievements towards integration.
Briefing the press after meeting President Barrow, Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko highlighted the importance of the relationship between the two sister countries, by buttressing the relationship between Gambia and Senegal, especially in the areas of shared borders, peace, security, trade, and transportation.
The Senegalese Prime Minister was on a two-day visit to The Gambia to attend the second edition of The Gambia-Senegal Economic, Trade and Investment Forum meant to promote trade and investment, and to enhance the free movement of goods and services, and to strengthen the two counties’ relations.
“Everyone knows that Gambia and Senegal have very strong relations and this goes way back in history, which has also led to a confederation that shows its strength. We want to take this relationship to a higher height. That is our aim,” he said.
He added that the Senegambia Commission Summit is important for the relationship between the two countries.
Gambia’s Vice President Muhammed B. S. Jallow also indicated that he was the first to visit Dakar to discuss the issues of the Senegalo-Gambia Secretariat and also to revive its consultative commission which last met in 2011.
“The relationship between Gambia and Senegal is very strong and we want it to continue. This enables the business community of both countries to work together and also expand their activities in each other’s country,” VP Jallow said.
The forum concluded with a cultural night and gala dinner on Friday evening, attended by VP Jallow and Prime Minister Sonko.
