Gambiaj.com – (BANUL) – Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye made his second official visit since assuming office, traveling to Banjul, The Gambia, where he was received by President Adama Barrow on Saturday, April 20. The two leaders co-chaired a joint press conference, agreeing to maintain the Presidential Council established between their countries to strengthen strategic bilateral cooperation.

President Faye’s visit underscores the deep fraternal ties between The Gambia and Senegal, highlighting a shared desire for collaboration. President Barrow congratulated President Faye on his electoral victory and inauguration, expressing confidence in his government’s innovative programs.

The leaders discussed historical bilateral relations, reaffirming their commitment to enhancing cooperation. They expressed satisfaction with the current state of relations and agreed to intensify consultations to implement agreements in areas like security, defense, and trade.

President Barrow extended an invitation to President Faye to the 15th Summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Banjul, thanking Senegal for supporting the event’s success. President Faye expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and hospitality, agreeing to participate in the summit.

The visit, according to Senegal’s Minister of African Integration and Foreign Affairs Yacine Fall, aims to strengthen the deep bonds between the two peoples. The neighboring countries, once part of the Senegambia Confederation, share strategic cooperation in defense, security, and other key sectors.

Commercially, The Gambia is a significant client of Senegal within the ECOWAS zone, with exports totaling 110.7 billion CFA francs in 2022. The visit symbolizes a commitment to advancing cooperation and mutual interests, with plans for the next Senegalese-Gambian Presidential Council session in Dakar, Senegal.