Ms Julia Joiner, African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, has told President Yahya Jammeh that the AU Secretariat is highly impressed by the state of preparedness of The Gambia for the forthcoming AU Summit.

Speaking to journalists shortly after her audience with the Gambian leader at State House yesterday, she said she is in Banjul as a special envoy of Alpha Konare, president of the African Union Commission, to exchange views with President Jammeh on issues of mutual interest about the forthcoming AU Summit. She reiterated the AU's faith in The Gambia's ability to guarantee a successful Summit.

According to her, the Summit will enhance The Gambia's status in the international community as a force to be reckoned with.

She added that as most African leaders will be gracing the Summit with their presence, The Gambia will be the cynosure of all eyes throughout the world while the Summit lasts.

Ms Joiner expressed concern about the conference centre which is not yet ready, but she was reassured that it is at an advanced stage of construction.