Gambia, Mauritania set for action

The Mauritano-Gambian Joint Ministerial Commission ended on Tuesday at the Kairaba Beach Hotel, with the Foreign Affairs secretary of state confirming that the outcomes of the Banjul meeting will soon be translated into action.

Crispin Grey-Johnson told journalists at a press conference that the two sides have a signed an agreement within the ambit of ties between Banjul and Nouakchott.

The two sides discussed issues of mutual concern, covering areas such as trade, education, energy, tourism, youth, sports and culture, fisheries, transportation, social security and housing finance, and justice.

SoS Grey-Johnson, who led the Gambian delegation to the meeting, disclosed that in three months to come, the peoples of the two countries will to travel to between both countries by air, land and even maritime transport.

He also disclosed that in few weeks to come, the joint ministerial commission will work out a programme to send teachers to the two countries, students exchange visits, exchange of cultural ideas, amongst others. He expressed hope that these and other priorities areas in the joint communique will soon be embarked upon.

Mohamed Saleck Ould Mohamed Lemine, minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, said the session gave them the opportunity to outcome of the Nouakchott meeting in January 2001 and draw concrete actions towards the application of the decisions taken 2001, as well as make amendments where its deemed necessary. He noted that the two countries have the potentials to identify ways in which they can forge ahead for a tougher bilateral relationship.

Mr Lamine thanked Gambians for the warm and friendly welcome accorded to them upon their arrival.

Momodou S Njie, a permanent secretary at the Department of State for Foreign Affairs, chaired the ceremony.