Guinea Bissau PM ends Gambia visit

The prime minister of the Republic of Guinea Bissau, Carlos Gomez, accompanied by a high a powered delegation, yesterday returned home at the end of a three-day working visit to The Gambia.

Prime Minister Gomez was seen off at the Banjul International Airport by the vice president and secretary of state for Women’s Affairs, Aja Dr Isatou  Njie-Saidy. During his stay in the country, PM Gomez had a meeting with the Vice President Njie Saidy when the two sides signed a joint agreement of co-operation on the sectors of energy, trade, tourism as well as infrastructure. They also agreed to work closely in various other sectors crucial for the advancement of the two countries.

Speaking to reporters at the VIP lounge of the Banjul International Airport, shortly before his departure, Prime Minister Gomez expressed gratitude for the hospitality he received from Gambians during his three-day visit. He described The Gambia as a country that is worthy of admiration for its peace and stability. He said The Gambia and Guinea have been enjoying a long-standing relationship, expressing hope that this fruitful brotherly relationship will continue. According to him, The Gambia has played a crucial role in making sure that Guinea Bissau regained its strength after years of internal disputes.

PM Gomez also said that his three-day visit had given him the opportunity to see for himself the level of development that is ongoing in The Gambia, something he said has given the country quality to serve as an example to be followed. "Considering the size of The Gambia, and the peace and tranquillity that prevails here, it is a country to be proud of."

Vice President Aja Dr Isatou Njie-Saidy said at the meeting that the agreement signed between the two sides were significant for their development. She further observed that although there have been previous agreements, the two sides are bound to revive them and prioritise the critical aspects among them.

Like Prime Minister Gomez, Vice president Njie Saidy harped on the fact that The Gambia has indeed played a crucial role in ensuring peace and stability in Guinea Bissau. According to her, President Jammeh has since appealed to the international community to come to the aid of Guinea Bissau. VP Njie-Saidy then promised Prime Minister Gomez that The Gambia will always be committed to strengthening the existing relationship between the sister countries. Also president at the airport to see the visiting prime minister off were a number of government officials, among them the Speaker of the National Assembly, the Chief Justice and Dr Omar Alieu Touray, SoS for Foreign Affairs, as well as Bissau Guinean diplomats.