The Daily Observer (Banjul)
Hatab Fadera
2 June 2011
The governments of the Republic of The Gambia and the Islamic Republic of Mauritania have reaffirmed their strong resolve to strengthening cooperation in key sectors relevant to the socio-economic development of the two countries and their people.
This development, which emanated from the discussions held by the two leaders during the ongoing state visit to the country by the Mauritanian president, that ends today, was announced Wednesday afternoon at Sindola Hotel in Kanilai.
In a four-page communiqué read on behalf of the two leaders by their Foreign Affairs ministers, Dr Mamadou Tangara and Hamadi Ould Hamadi respectively, the two heads of state agreed that existing joint agreements in the areas of Trade, Industry, Investment, Energy, Education, Tourism, Social, Culture, Agriculture, Water Resources and security sectors could be further strengthened. “The two presidents underlined the urgent need to implement all provisions of the agreements signed under the Joint Commissions that took place in January 1993 in Nouakchott; September 1996 in Banjul; May 2001 in Nouakchott; and in February 2008 in Banjul,” the Communiqué stated.
The two leaders, the communiqué further indicated, emphasised the fact that education and skills training, particularly among the youths, constitute an effective vector for the advancement of their people, thus reaffirming their commitment to expanding cooperation in Higher Education and Research to give priority to skills development for growth, job creation and youth empowerment. “Recognising that energy, food security and climate change are interlinked and that eliminating poverty and ensuring sustainable development are amongst the most important needs of the two countries, the two leaders pledged to enhance cooperation in investment and small and medium enterprises,” the communiqué further revealed.
Upheavals
On the recent upheavals in the Arab countries, Presidents Jammeh and Aziz, according to the communiqué, expressed their profound preoccupation concerning the tragic events happening in Libya, and thus wish for a peaceful resolution of the crisis in the best interest of the Libyan people’s aspirations for freedom, peace and security. The Gambian and Mauritanian leaders also expressed their concern over the serious threat of this [Libya] crisis to the security of their two countries particularly its potential impact on trans-border crimes, illegal trafficking in small arms and light weapons, human trafficking, money laundering and terrorism.
At the regional level, the two leaders, according to the communiqué emphasised the need for countries of the region to forge stronger linkages by promoting more vigorous inter-state trade and economic activities to further advance regional integration. “The two presidents expressed satisfaction with the return to constitutional rule in Ivory Coast and Niger, and the successful referendum which led to the creation of a new state in Southern Sudan,” it added. While noting the significant developments taking place within Africa, Presidents Jammeh and Aziz, the communiqué continued, appealed to Africa’s development partners to intensify meaningful, predictable and timely support to enhance progressive implementation of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development [NEPAD] and other continental initiatives.
While welcoming the recent developments at the United Nations in bringing women empowerment to the forefront of global priority agenda, the two leaders reiterated the need for reform at the global body’s Security Council and it’s system to reflect global realities; they equally expressed their conviction that the African continent should be adequately represented in global governance.
Present at the reading of the communiqué were the vice president and minister of Women’s Affairs, Her Excellency Aja Dr Isatou Njie-Saidy; and ministers of the Gambia and Mauritania, amongst other dignitaries. Meanwhile, the reading of the communiqué was preceded by a special lunch hosted by President Jammeh in honour of the visiting Mauritanian leader.
Visits to Kanilai projects
Prior to the reading of the communiqué, His Excellency President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz accompanied by his Gambian counterpart visited a number of agricultural projects and other sites initiated and owned by President Jammeh. Among the sites visited were the Noni Farm, a vast cashew plantation, artificial fish pond, snake house, the wolf’s cage, cattle and camel ranches, and the crocodile pool, amongst others.
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