The Daily Observer (Banjul)
Assan Sallah
24 September 2008
President Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh, accompanied by Her Excellency, the First Lady, Madam Zeinab Jammeh, and the the rest of the First Family, flew out of the Banjul International Airport, Monday evening, to perform this year's Ummra in Mecca.
The President and entourage arrived in Jeddah, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Tuesday morning.
According to reports monitored on GRTS, President Jammeh was met on arrival at Jeddah by the governor of the city, Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa; the Gambian ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Lamin Kiti Jabang; and a cross-section of Gambians living in the kingdom.
President Jammeh and delegation also had a brief stop at the Algerian International Airport, on Monday evening, where he was warmly welcomed by the president of the Algerian Senate. A guard of honour was mounted in his honor by the Algerian army. President Jammeh renewed his commitment to the friendly relationship that exists between the governments and peoples of the two countries. He said that The Gambia has always regarded Algeria as a true friend, adding that this is reflected in their faith, vision and culture.
President Jammeh expressed delight with the warm welcome accorded to him and his delegation and expressed hope that the cordial relations between the two countries will continue to grow from strength to strength.
On arrival in Jeddah, the Gambian leader held his first meeting with the Gambian community, who received him with a warmly at the airport.
Kebba Bojang, The Gambia's consul general in Saudi Arabia; Lamin Kiti Jabang, The Gambia's ambassador to Saudi Arabia; Fatou Ceesay, head of Gambian women in Saudi Arabia; and Ebrahim Sarr, who spoke on behalf of the men, all made wonderful remarks at the meeting.
President Jammeh for his part, said he has never doubted Ambassador Jabang's competence in representing The Gambia. The Gambian leader provided an immediate solution to the issues raised by the Gambian women in Saudi Arabia, offering them the chance to perform the pilgrimage in Mecca.
Known for his generosity and kindness, The Gambian Head of State also donated a sum of US$10,000 to the Gambian community in Saudi Arabia, advising them to respect and abide by the regulations and laws of the Holy land.
According to GRTS' Abdou Njie, who is part of the presidential entourage, the president and the first family are this morning (Wednesday) expected to travel to the holy city of Mecca, where they will perform the Ummrah.
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