The Islamic Republic of Mauritania, on its 48thIndependent anniversary, His Excellency Yaya NGAM, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania to The Gambia and his team over the weekend commemorated their national day at the Sun Beach Hotel in the presence of several of his countrymen, government officials, dignitaries and invited guests. The North African country gained independence some 48 years ago and has been developing along with other countries. Mauritanians (Narrs), as seen in the country, have been law abiding and have contributed to the socio-economic growth of the country in their own way.

His Excellency Yaya NGAM, Ambassador of Mauritania to The Gambia, in his speech said, “The presence of high level personalities, is significant proof of the depth of the relations between the two countries, their people and above all, their leaders. His Excellency General Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, the President of the High Council of State, Head of State of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania and His Excellency, Alhaji Professor Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh, President of the Republic of The Gambia.”

His Excellency NGAM said people are already aware, due to the block of the institutions and a difficult economic situation; that the Mauritanian Armed Forces have, with a start of patriotism, carried out a movement of rectification on the 6thof August 2008. “From this date, the High Council of State has taken a lot of measures in order to improve the living conditions of the people of Mauritania. The president of the High Council of State has launched a policy of proximity by visiting disadvantaged regions where underprivileged people are living and taking care of institutions whose essential aim is to satisfy the vital needs of people.”

HE NGAM said within the next few days, constitutions called “the Estates General of Democracy” will assemble all the political actors and members of civil society for a boost of the democratic process.

“The Gambian President, HE Yahya A. J.J. Jammeh has shown his attachment and his high concerns about the situation in Mauritania, by twice sending a high powered ministerial delegation to Nouakchott and by receiving envoys of the High Council of State and other missionaries from the government and people of Mauritania,” he said.

Recounting on what has transpired between Mauritania and The Gambia, HE NGAM recounted in 2008, the session of the Joint Ministerial Commission between the Republic of The Gambia and the Islamic Republic of Mauritania that took place in Banjul and the recommendations of this session are being achieved. He further mentioned that the jewel of the bilateral co-operation between their two countries, that is the Mauritanian Cultural Complex, holds around 700 pupils, most of whom are Gambians.

He Yaya NGAM reiterated strongly that Mauritanians are law abiding and that one hardly finds them in jail. HE NGAM said, “The Mauritanian Community in The Gambia, working mainly in the business sector, is well treated with courtesy and it’s an opportunity to thank the government and the people of The Gambia for this fraternal welcome. Also, I call to all the members of the Mauritanian community to keep on respecting the law of The Gambia and to maintain very good relationships with their Gambian brothers, which is the expression of historical and familial relations between the two peoples,” HE NGAM said.

“While wishing you the constant development of the relations between the two countries, I thank you for your presence,” HE NGAM said.

Hon SoS Crispin Grey Johnson, SoS for Higher Education Representing the government, commended Mauritanians for their hard work, their respect for the rule of law and their devotion and commitment for their participation for the socio-economy of The Gambia.

Hon Grey Johnson praised Mauritanians saying, “It is rarely you see Mauritanians in police stations or in prison because they always respect the laws of the country and they show really that they are part of the country.” He said Mauritanian shops are found in every corner in Banjul and in every village in The Gambia Mauritanian shops are seen. “They have really boosted our economy. They have also opened a school here in Bundung with many Gambians enrolled. Our relationship with Mauritania is cordial and excellent particularly in terms of trade and education,” he said.

He said Mauritanians should feel at home and that Gambia is their home. “Gambians are happy to live together with Mauritanians because they love peace and participate in our socio-economic drive,” he said.

Mr. Gray Johnson used the occasion to congratulate Mauritanians on their 48thanniversary.