Gov’t, Mauritania Leaders Reiterate Commitment to Improving Ties

The Daily Observer (Banjul)

Hatab Fadera

3 June 2011

The presidents of the Republic of The Gambia and the Islamic Republic of Mauritania have reiterated their commitment to improving what they described as the excellent historical ties that bind the two countries and their people.

Their Excellencies Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh and Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz were speaking to a group of journalists in a brief interview at the Banjul International Airport Thursday morning shortly before the Gambian leader bade farewell to his Mauritanian counterpart, who concluded a four-day state visit to the country.

The Mauritanian leader arrived in the country Monday evening with a high-powered delegation for the visit; a move that availed him the opportunity to strengthen cooperation with The Gambia in key sectors relevant to the socio-economic development of the two countries and their people. “Naturally we are brothers -The Gambia and the Islamic Republic of Mauritania have always had very historic and excellent relations,” President Jammeh told journalists at the Banjul International Airport.

The Gambian leader again described as brotherly the visit to the country by his Mauritanian counterpart, underpinning that they discussed on how they can always improve and expand their relations with the Islamic Republic of Mauritania for the benefit of the two brothers and sisters. He said: “So is like a homecoming for him; when I go to Mauritania also is like going to a second home. So from time to time brothers discuss to improve their relations; both countries are developing and so we are also doing our best on how we harmonise our developments.”

President Jammeh reiterated that Banjul-Nouakchott relations have transcended political and diplomatic level, saying “this is a family relationship – that’s the way the Almighty Allah has pre-destined”.

Also speaking to journalists through an interpreter, the Mauritania leader described his Banjul visit as important and reiterated their commitment to the ties that bind the two countries. He observed the heavy presence of the Mauritanian community in The Gambia, who he said are contributing to the development of the country. President Aziz described President Jammeh as a brother, while reiterating Nouakchott’s commitment to the historical ties between the two countries.

Also present at the airport to see President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz and delegation off were the vice president and minister of Women’s Affairs, Her Excellency Aja Dr Isatou Njie-Saidy, amongst other dignitaries.

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