Gambia and Senegal share a lot in common. The two countries are without doubt one people, speaking the same language, brothers and sisters, sharing the same cultural norms and values and located within the same geographical area called Senegambia. Both countries are therefore bound to co-exist in the spirit of brotherhood at all times. This is precisely the reason why President Jammeh has always demonstrated commitment towards ensuring that The Gambia and Senegal become one people who will lay the foundation for a united Africa.

Of course, The Gambia and our sister Republic of Senegal have long been stepping up efforts to not only promote peaceful co-existence and good neighbourliness, but also to assist each other to overcome socio-economic challenges, and achieve sustainable development. This week, the two countries strengthened cooperation in a number of critical sectors such as education, tourism, security, cultural exchange and so on during the Sixth Session of the Senegalo-Gambia Joint Commission. This was the implementation of the executive directives of their Excellencies, Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr. Yahya Jammeh of The Gambia and Macky Sall of Senegal, who are desirous of seeing that the cooperation reflects the excellent brotherly and friendly relations that bind us and our peoples. This is essential, as amalgamating our thoughts and actions, and galvanizing the spirit of brotherhood is what will eventually lead us to construct a formidable bloc to be reckoned with in the global arena.

Besides, as human beings, we would find it extremely difficult to live meaningfully without each other's support in one way or the other. Such is the reality of human nature, which has undoubtedly been mirrored and reflected in Gambia-Senegal relations, and we hope to see the further strengthening of this relationship. The Gambian leader has always shown remarkable willingness to consult with our sister Republic of Senegal. This is because he has realised that the two countries have much in common; in our past history, in our present problems and in our future hopes. Until the Seventh Session takes place in Dakar, we hope that the relations between these countries will grow from strength to strength. It is also our conviction that resolutions agreed in the Banjul Sessions will be implemented for the sake of the development of the two nations.