GAMBIA-BISSAU SET TO EXPAND TIES As President Vieira’s State Visit ends

Following a successful four-day state visit to The Gambia by His Excellency, General Joao Bernardo Vieira, President and Head of State of The Republic of Guinea Bissau, at the invitation of President Dr  Alhaji Yahya Jammeh, President and Head of State of the Republic of The Gambia, a joint communique was yesterday issued after a tete-a-tete at the State House, Banjul.

During the tete-a-tete, the two Heads of States reviewed the political and economical situation of the two countries, the development in the sub-region, the excellent relations between the two countries and peoples, underscored the need to prioritise peace and stability in the two countries, reviewed the current political and socio-economic situation in the West Africa sub-region and stressed their strong conviction that there could be no internal stability without regional peace and therefore undertook to cooperate in the fight against all forms of threat to peace, security and progress of the two countries and the West Africa sub-region.

Also high on the agenda was their committment and resolve to strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation for the benefit of the two nations, to cooperate in the area of energy and to promote south-south cooperation and they underscored the importance of justice, tolerance, respect, and rule of law, to global peace and security.

Below we reproduce the full text of the final communique;

At the invitation of his brother and friend, His Excellency Alhaji Dr. Yahya AJJ Jammeh, President and Head of State of the Republic of The Gambia, His Excellency General Joao Bernardo Vieira, President and Head of State of The Republic of Guinea Bissau, paid a state visit to the Republic of The Gambia, from 18th to 21st April 2008.

His Excellency President General Joao Bernardo Vieira was accompanied to The Gambia by Her Excellency Senhora Dona Isabel Romano Ferreira Vieira, First Lady of the Republic of Guinea Bissau, and high-ranking delegation comprising cabinet ministers and senior Government officials.

His Excellency President Vieira and his delegation were met on arrival at the Banjul International Airport by His Excellency President Alhaji Dr. Yahya AJJ Jammeh, Her Excellency the Vice President, the Hon. Speaker of he National Assembly, His Lordship, the Chief Justice, Secretaries of State, members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps, National Assembly Members, Government Officials, Religious and Traditional Leaders, Members of the Bissau Guinea Community in The Gambia as well as a huge cross section of the Gambian society.

During their tete-a-tete discussion, the two Heads of State reviewed the political and economic situation of The Gambia and Guinea Bissau, the development in the sub region as well as international issues of common concern.

While they expressed satisfaction at the excellent relations that exists between their two countries and peoples, the two Heads of State underscored the need to prioritise peace and stability in the two countries.

They also reiterated their resolve to strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation for the benefit of the two nations. In particular, the two leaders agreed to cooperate in the area of energy, and instructed their Ministers of Energy to work closely in order to share experiences and good practices in the provision of energy and energy related services to the public.

The two Heads of State further instructed their Cabinet Ministers to implement the recommendations made by the Gambian-Bissau Guinean Joint Commission, during its Session held in Banjul in February 2008.

In reviewing the political and socio-economic situation in the West African Sub-Region, the two Heads of State stressed their strong conviction that there can be no internal stability without regional peace and therefore undertake to cooperate in the fight against all forms of threat to peace, security and progress of the two countries and the West African sub-region.

With respect to African and global affairs, the two Heads of State underscored the need for self-reliance as it is the responsibility of African governments alone to develop heir countries. In this regard, they undertake to promote south-south cooperation and joint actions within the framework of the African Union and sub regional organisations. The two Heads of State also underscored the importance of Justice, tolerance, respect, and rule of law, to global peace and security.

During their stay in The Gambia, His Excellency President General Joao Bernardo Vieira and delegation visited several projects and facilities including the Kharafi Farm Project in Kafuta, Sulayman Junkung Jammeh Hospital in Bwiam, ASSEC Project in Mayork, Brikama Power Plant, the Tanji Community Fisheries Centre and, the ARCH 22 in Banjul. President Vieira and his delegation also visited President Jammeh’s home village of Kanilai where they toured a Wild-life Park, a plantation and an aquaculture facility.

His Excellency President General Joao Bernardo Vieira also met with members of the Guinea Bissau community in The Gambia.

His Excellency President Joao Bernardo Vieira expressed his gratitude to President Alhaji Dr Yahya AJJ Jammeh, the Government and the people of The Gambia for the warm reception and generous hospitality extended to him and his delegation during their stay in The Gambia.

Done in Banjul on this 21st day of April in the English and Portuguese Languages, both texts being equally authentic.