Gambiaj.com – (DAKAR) – Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye recently provided a comprehensive overview to his cabinet regarding his discussions in Banjul with Gambian President Adama Barrow. President Faye expressed his appreciation for the warm reception and hospitality shown to him and his delegation during their visit to The Gambia.

The discussions between the two leaders covered a wide range of crucial areas of cooperation, reflecting the historical and strategic relationship between Senegal and The Gambia. The following points were highlighted as key outcomes of their meeting:

On Defense and Security, President Diomaye Faye said Senegal reiterated its commitment to supporting The Gambia in maintaining stability and security. This commitment is particularly significant given The Gambia’s recent transition to democracy and its efforts to reform its security sector following years of authoritarian rule under former President Yahya Jammeh.

President Faye revealed that the his discussed the issue of combatting Illegal Logging and Trafficking with both countries recognized the importance of combating illegal logging and trafficking, which pose serious threats to the environment and biodiversity of their respective forests. The Gambia, in particular, has been working to strengthen its forest management practices to combat deforestation and promote sustainable forest management.

About the Cooperation in Fishing, President Faye told his cabinet thattThe fishing sector is of strategic importance to both countries, as it provides livelihoods for thousands of people and contributes significantly to their economies. The discussions between President Faye and President Barrow emphasized the need to enhance cooperation in this sector, including providing facilities for fishermen from both countries to access each other’s waters.

With regards to the Free Movement of People and Goods, President Faye told his cabinet that it is a key pillar of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and is crucial for promoting regional integration and trade. He said Senegal and The Gambia reaffirmed their commitment to facilitating this free movement across their borders, including through land, air, and sea transport.

On the recently most discussed issue on Cement Tax, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye stressed that the discussions also touched upon the increase in the cement tax from Senegal buy The Gambia, which has implications for trade between the two countries. According to the Senegalese Head of State, the suspension of the tax increase pending the signing of a formal agreement reflects the importance of resolving trade issues through dialogue and cooperation.

Overall, the discussions between President Faye and President Barrow underscored the strong bilateral ties between Senegal and The Gambia and the shared commitment to advancing mutual interests and promoting regional integration in West Africa.