30th September 2005:

President Yahya Jammeh on Friday had an audience at State House with a special envoy of the President of Central African Republic Francois Bozize.

Speaking to reporters shortly after her long meeting with the Gambian leader, the envoy Myriam Gretta said her visit to Banjul was basically to strengthen relations between the two countries. She said Central African Republic is very much inspired by Gambia's achievements in terms of development and they are very pleased with President Jammeh on what he has been able to do in the Gambia.

"We also discussed possible areas of cooperation between Central African Republic and the Gambia," Ms. Gretta said. She added that the issue of their cooperation would be emphasised during President Bozize's state visit to the Gambia later this year.

She was accompanied to State House by the Permanent Secretary of the Department of State for Foreign Affairs, Ebou Taal. The meeting was attended by the Secretary of State for Finance, Alieu Ngum and the Secretary General, Mambury Njie.