9th-10th August 2005:

The President Alhaji Yahya Jammeh has been honoured at a state luncheon on Tuesday hosted by President Luiz Inacio Lula de Silva in Downtown Brazilia. It was attended by senior government officials of Brazil and a high powered delegation accompanying President Jammeh on his four day working visit to the South American country, Brazil.

Speaking at the luncheon, President Luiz Inacio Lula de Silva said the agreements signed by the two governments will allow Brazil and the Gambia explore common experiences in searching answers to the
challenges of sustaining development. The Brazilian President also said his government is ready to share its experiences with the Gambia in addressing the problems of urbanization as well as the production of what he called environmentally sound fuels. The Brazilian leader announced that his government would enroll Gambian students in Brazilian universities.

"Brazil and the Gambia have promoted the interest of developing countries in the United Nations Security Council, where both countries served as non-permanent members during the period 1998 - 1999". He
said.

The Brazilian leader thanked President Jammeh and his government for the support to the Brazilians and the G - 4 proposals. He noted that the two countries share the conviction of the urgency for the participation of developing countries as permanent members in the Security Council.

In reply President Jammeh extended gratitude and appreciation of the warm welcome and hospitality accorded him and his delegation. The Gambian leader reiterated his government firm support to the stance
Brazil and other members of the G - 4 are taking with regards to the reform of the United Nations.

President Jammeh said Brazil has taken a unique position as one of the fifteen largest economies to influence agriculture trade reform on behalf of developing countries. The Gambian leader hoped that the visit would provide the necessary impetus for strengthening trade and other business activities in the area of health, sports, Defence among other things.

President Jammeh and delegation later visited the Brazilian Supreme Court and corporate offices of an aircraft manufacturing company, EMBRAER. The company focuses on specific market segments with high
growth potential in commercial, defense and corporate aviation.

President Jammeh and delegation also on Wednesday visited the Brazilian Institute of Information and Science and Technology.

The Chief Executive of the Brazilian Petroleum Company paid a courtesy call on the Gambian leader same day.

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more on the President's visit