JOINT COMMUNIQUE

ON

THE OFFICIAL VISIT TO THE GAMBIA

BY

HIS EXCELLENCY PIERRE N'KURUNZIZA

PRESIDENT AND HEAD OF STATE OF

THE REPUBLIC OF BURUNDI

20TH - 23RD FEBRUARY 2009

At the invitation of his brother and friend, His Excellency Professor Alhaji Dr. Yahya A J J Jammeh, President and Head of State of the Republic of The Gambia, His Excellency Pierre N'kurunziza, President and Head of State of the Republic of Burundi, executed an Official visit to the Republic of The Gambia from 20th to 23rd February 2009.

His Excellency Pierre N'Kurunziza was accompanied to The Gambia by a high-ranking delegation comprising Minister of Energy & Mines and the Minister for Good Governance & Privatisation and Senior Government Officials.

His Excellency Pierre N'Kurunziza and his delegation were met on arrival at the Banjul International Airport by His Excellency Professor Alhaji Dr. Yahya A J J Jammeh, President of the Republic of The Gambia, Her Excellency the Vice President, the Honourable Speaker of the National Assembly, His Lordship the Chief Justice, Cabinet Ministers, Members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps, National Assembly Members, Government Officials, Religious and Traditional Leaders, and a cross section of the Gambian society.

During the visit, the two Heads of State had a tête-à-tête discussion during which they reviewed the political and economic situation of The Gambia and Burundi, the developments on the African continent, as well as issues of common concern.

The two Heads of State expressed the need to consolidate friendship and cooperation between the two countries. They also reiterated their resolve to work closely for the benefit of the two nations.

In reviewing the political and economic situation in the African continent, the two Heads of State discussed the issue of stability and peace in the Great Lakes Region. They also stressed their strong conviction that there can be no internal stability without regional peace and therefore undertake to cooperate in the fight against all forms of threat to peace, security, and progress in the African continent.

The two Heads of State, also underscored the need for self-reliance, as it is the responsibility of African governments alone to develop their countries. In this regard, they undertake to promote South-South Cooperation and joint actions within the framework of the African Union and sub-regional organizations. They reiterated the importance of justice, tolerance, and respect for the rule of law to global peace and security.

During their stay in The Gambia, His Excellency Pierre N'Kurunziza and delegation visited the Coco Ocean Hotel in Bijilo, the Brikama Power Plant, the Sandele Eco-Tourism Camp in Kartong, the Kafuta Agricultural Project, the Sulayman Junkung General Hospital and the Solar Energy Tracking System Project in Bwiam, and President Jammeh's home village of Kanilai where they toured the Noni Garden, the Cattle Ranch and Game Park, and the Fish Pond.

His Excellency Pierre N'Kurunziza expressed his gratitude to Professor Alhaji Dr. Yahya A J J Jammeh, the Government, and people of The Gambia for the warm reception and generous hospitality accorded to him and his delegation during their stay in The Gambia.

His Excellency Pierre N'Kurunziza extended an invitation to His Excellency Professor Alhaji Dr. Yahya A J J Jammeh to visit the Republic of Burundi.

His Excellency Professor Alhaji Dr. Yahya A J J Jammeh accepted His Excellency Pierre N'Kurunziza's invitation to visit Burundi in the near future.

The dates for the visit will be confirmed through diplomatic channels.

-END-