A country, like an individual, is to a great extent shaped by its immediate environment and beyond. Man as a rational and social being reacts fervently towards activities taking place within the environment, and so do states.

The right to freedom of association and other numerous rights are enjoyed by both the state and individuals. No nation can exist in total isolation, thus the need to have either passive or active relationships commonly called alliance among different countries of the world.

It is against this reality that The Gambia has chosen countries like Morocco to be its principal diplomatic allies. And as the president rightly stated, our relationship with the kingdom transcends political affiliation. Morocco is a principal stakeholder in Gambia's development and centuries of cooperation has also transformed that relationship into fraternity.

The funding of a new Foreign Affairs complex and other development assistance rendered to Gambia by Morocco are indications of the fact that the longstanding relations between the two countries have gone beyond politics; it's about one people, two states. Morocco to Gambia is nothing but home away from home, as citizens of the two countries have shared a lot in common from time immemorial.

In fact it is through the cooperation of countries like the Kingdom of Morocco that The Gambia continues to register success, thus the enviable name Smiling Coast of Africa. And the country continues to assert its role in international affairs. Being assertive means asking what you want and need and telling the truth about what is right, you don't just follow others, but instead decide what is good for you and others.

Gambia-Morocco ties will certainly continue to eternity.