The Minister of Interior Hon. Ousman Sonko has described the Great Socialist Libya Arab Jamahiriya as a pride of Africa.

Sonko made these remarks on Tuesday September 1st 2009, at the Corinthian Atlantic Hotel in Banjul during the celebrations marking the 40th anniversary of the AL-Fateh Revolution.

Minister Sonko, who was the official representative of the Gambian government at the occasion, said that Libya is making great effort in pursuance of African integration.

He alluded that the Libyan revolution has brought so many achievements to the people of the North African country.

Minister Sonko added that like the July 22nd Revolution, the Al-Fateh Revolution was also faced with lots of challenges, but with determination and courage of the Libyan people they have overcome those challenges.

Commenting on the relationship between The Gambia and Libya, Minister Sonko said that the relation that exists between the two countries is very cordial one based on mutual benefit.

“Since the resumption of our diplomatic ties over the years, Libya has intervened in critical sectors of the Gambian economy, such as education, agriculture and religion,” he stated.

The current AU summit in Libya on peace and security, he said, is another manifestation of Libya’s commitment in promoting peace and stability on the continent.

Continental peace, he added, couldn’t be achieved by one single country, “thus it requires our collective efforts”.

He reaffirmed the government’s resolve in further strengthening relations with Libya, particularly in the area of agriculture for the attainment of food self-sufficiency.

For his part, the Deputy Libyan Ambassador to the Gambia, Mr. Mohammed Al Gamati, said that the Al-Fateh Revolution has changed the livelihood of the Libyan people in all sectors of development.

He hailed the Libyan leader for transforming Libya into a city state. He noted that Gaddafi has always been advocating for African unity.