The Gambian leader, His Excellency Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh, on Sunday evening hosted a state banquet in honour of the Iranian leader, Dr Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who was in the country on a dayÂ's working visit. The state banquet was held at the Kairaba Beach Hotel in Kololi.

Momodou Saidy, the State House press officer, gave a brief background of the cordial relations between The Gambia and the Islamic Republic of Iran, dating back to 30 years. According to Saidy, the cooperation between the two countries became stronger during President JammehÂ's regime. He pointed out that The Gambia has benefited a lot from its cooperation with Iran in various sectors of development such as trade, agriculture among others.

The banquet was punctuated by cultural performances by various artists groups such as the Kabakel, Jaliba Kuyateh and the KMC cultural group. The occasion was graced by Her Excellency Aja Dr Isatou Njie-Saidy, vice president and minister of WomenÂ's Affairs; Emmanuel Agim, chief justice of The Gambia; Elizabeth Renner, the speaker of the National Assembly; National Assembly members; members of the Iranian delegation; ministers; security chiefs; diplomats; dignitaries, among others. President Ahmadinejad and his delegation left Banjul yesterday around 4am.