The President Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr. Yahya Jammeh has said that his government's effort in fostering peace in Guinea Bissau is based on the spirit of friendship and brotherhood.

Addressing representatives of Presidential candidates from Bissau at State House on Thursday, the Gambian leader said The Gambia will ever remain a true friend of Guinea Bissau. He said The Gambia looks forward to seeing Bissau return to stability with rapid socio-economic development. But he noted that Guinea Bissau's peace and stability rest in the hands of its people. He noted that Bissau has been experiencing violent periods characterized by economic slavery, war and poverty and the exploitation of its resources to develop other continents. President Jammeh therefore cautioned the people to do away with tribal discrimination, unite and strive to bring sanity to Bissau.

The leader of the Opposition New Democratic Party Mamadou Yaya Jallow saluted the Gambian leader for his continued stance in promoting peaceful co-existence in Guinea Bissau. He noted that the stability of the country lies in the hands of Bissau Guineans and therefore urged them to forget the past and forge ahead. He called on all stakeholders to put hands on deck irrespective of political affiliation.

The meeting was attended by Maria Rosa Robalo Rosa the spouse and representative of independent candidate Henrique Pereira Rosa and Agustino D'acosta who represents Kumba Yala of the PRS party. The Vice President Aja Dr. Isatou Njie Saidy and members of the Cabinet were also in attendance.