Their Excellencies President Alhagie Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh of The Gambia and Sidi Mohamed Ould Cheikh Abdallahi, President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, have expressed satisfaction at the excellent relations that historically exist between the two countries and their people.

In a joint communiqué issued following a two-day working visit by President Sidi Mohamed Ould Cheikh Abdallahi to The Gambia, the two heads of state discussed issues of bilateral, regional and international interest, reiterating their determination to further strengthen these bonds in the mutual interest of the two governments and people.

The two heads of state dilated on the various situations in the sub-region in particular and the African continent in general. They noted with satisfaction what they considered overall positive developments registered in the ongoing efforts to achieve peace and security throughout the continent, commending the efforts generally made by the African Union and the wider international community.

The two leaders also expressed their determination to work together in fighting all forms of threat to peace, security and stability of the two countries and, indeed, of the entire sub-region.

On the 12th February Mauritano-Gambian Joint Ministerial Commission meeting in Banjul, the two heads of state expressed their contentment with the meeting while instructing the officials of the various departments of both sides to follow up the recommendations with concrete actions.

During his stay in the country, President Abdallahi and his delegation visited the Gunjur Fisheries Complex and the Banjul Sea Port.

The state visit also saw President Jammeh award President Ould Cheikh Abdallahi the Insignia of Grand Commander of the Republic of The Gambia, while commending the government and people of Mauritania for what he viewed as their show of political maturity in the conduct of peaceful, free and fair elections, which was hailed by the international community.