Stakeholders were on Wednesday, engaged in a one-day cross border meeting, at the Western Region Governor’s Office in Brikama.

 The new initiative seeks to promote peace between The Gambia and its neighbouring countries of Senegal and Guinea  Bissau.

The initiative is being implemented by the Brikama Area Council’s (BAC) sub-Committee on Foreign Affairs and Integration, in a bid to promote mutual trade, cultural exchange and good neighbourliness.

In his opening remarks, Abdou FM Badjie, Governor of Western Region, expounded on the importance of peace. Governor Badjie, said, the three states share a long-standing relation, which the initiative seeks to strengthen. He affirmed that Senegal has already instituted a similar initiative and then called on others to emulate.

He observed that the villages in the border regions of Casamance and The Gambia share a very cordial relationship, ranging from trade to cultural exchange. He then urged the three countries to close ranks in the interest of unity.

Kemo Conteh, Director of Good Governance, at the Department of State for Local Government, Lands and Religious Affairs, described peace as an essential tool for integration.

At the end of the meeting, a coordinating committee was set up, including members from the border regions of The Gambia, all of whom play key roles in the initiative.

Ousman Gaye, Chairman of the Brikama Area Council, assured his office’s commitment to play an active part in the initiative.

Alieu MA Jarju, Councillor for Marakisa Ward, chaired the meeting.