Yet another Joint Communique has been drawn up at the end of a four-day state visit of Joao Bernardo Vieira, the President of the republic of Guinea Bissau. The visit of President Vieira, the second after that of President Ernest Bai Koroma in the same month, ended yesterday when he returned. Excerpts from the Joint Communique are reproduced hereunder:

At the invitation of his brother and friend, His Excellency Alhaji Dr. Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh, President and Head of State of the Republic of The Gambia, His Excellency General Joao Bernardo Vieira, President and Head of State of The Republic of Guinea Bissau, paid a state visit to the Republic of The Gambia from 18th to21st April 2008.

During their tete-a-tete discussion, the two Heads of State reviewed the political and economical situation of The Gambia and Guinea Bissau, the developments in the sub-region as well as international issues of common concern.

While they expressed satisfaction at the excellent relations that exist between their two countries and peoples, the two Heads of State underscored the need to prioritise peace and stability of the two countries. They also reiterated their resolve to strengthen the bonds of friendship and co-operation for the benefit of the two nations. In particular, the two leaders agreed to co-operate in the area of energy, and instructed their Ministers of Energy to work closely in order to share experiences and good practices in the provision of energy and energy-related services to the public. The two Heads of State further instructed their Cabinet Ministers to implement the recommendations made by the Gambian-Bissau Guinean Joint Commission, during its session held in Banjul in February 2008.

In reviewing the political and socio-economic situation in the West African sub-region, the two Heads of State stressed their strong conviction that there can be no internal stability without regional peace and therefore undertake to co-operate in the fight against all forms of threat to peace, security and progress of the two countries and the West African sub-region. 

With respect to African and global affairs, the two Heads of State underscored the need for self-reliance as it is the responsibility of African governments alone to develop their countries. In this regard, they undertake to promote south-south co-operation and joint actions within the framework of the African Union and sub regional organisations.

The two Heads of State also underscored the importance of justice, tolerance, respect, and rule of law, to global peace and security.

During their stay in The Gambia, His Excellency President General Joao Bernardo Vieira and delegation visited several projects and facilities including the Kharafi Farm Project in Kafuta, Sulayman Junkung Jammeh Hospital in Bwiam, ASSEC Project in Mayork.

His Excellency President General Joao Bernardo Vieira expressed his gratitude to President Alhaji Dr. Yahya A. J. J. Jammeh, the government and the People of The Gambia for the warm reception and generous hospitality extended to him and his delegation during their stay in The Gambia.