As a designated date marking Senegal National Day, April 4 was punctuated in The Gambia by colourful activities held at Sunbeach Hotel, Bakau. Convened by Mamadou Fall, Senegalese plenipotentiary, the commemorative event was graced by Government officials, members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corp as well as a big crowd.

In his address, Ambassador Fall seized the opportunity to express satisfaction at the excellent relations that historically exist between The Gambia and the sister Republic of Senegal. He then added that the two Heads of State continue to work closely in order to strengthen these bonds for the betterment of the Senegambian people.

He further stated that the Consultative Committee will meet very soon and gave assurance that two countries plans ahead so as to revive the Senegambian Secretariat.

Deputising for Dr Omar Touray, secretary of state for Foreign Affairs, Fatim Badjie, secretary of state for Communication, Information and Information Technology, recalled that the relations between The Gambia and Senegal have been nurtured over time and have become a beacon of hope for the realisation of African integration.

‘‘Our common ancestry and history have enabled us to forge powerful bonds of friendship and cooperation that have survived the test of time,’’ she hinted.

Re-affirming Gambia’s stance in the international arena, she noted that the government is commited to peace, progress and prosperity. As such, she indicated that this new dynamism is characterized by a strong desire to foster good relationship for the two peoples, but aslo for all Africans has been testified by the African Union (AU), the United Nations , Ecowas and the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) where their Excellencies Presidents Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh and MaÓtre Abdoulaye Wade have fully played their roles to the satisfaction of all and sundry.

The Every Mbye Cultural troup and the Police Band enhanced the cultural dimension of the event by revisiting the Senegambian wide repertoire of songs.