At the invitation of his brother and friend, His Excellency Alhagi Dr Yahya AJJ Jammeh, President of the Republic of The Gambia, His Excellency Mr Laurent Gbagbo, President of the Republic of Cote d'Ivoire, paid a friendly and working visit to the Republic of The Gambia from 21st to 23rd July 2006, on the occasion of the celebration of the 12th Anniversary of the July 22nd Revolution.  He was accompanied by His Excellency Mr Youssouf Bakayoko, Minister of Foreign Affairs and high-ranking delegation.

During the visit, the two Heads of State had a tete-a-tete in the course of which they discussed issues of bilateral interest as well as issues of interest to the sub-region, to Africa and the world at large.

His Excellency President Gbagbo warmly congratulated his brother and friend His Excellency President Jammeh for the perfect organisation of the ceremony commemorating the 12th Anniversary of the July 22nd Revolution. He also underlined the profound adherence of the Gambian people to the policies of President Jammeh.

With regard to The Gambia's Hosting of the African Union Summit in Banjul, President Gbagbo also commended President Jammeh for the very successful organisation of that continental Summit by the sister Republic of The Gambia.

On the present situation in Cote d'Ivoire, President Jammeh expressed his concern and desire for the restoration of peace in that country and called on the brotherly people of Cote d'Ivoire to unite for the common good of their country and for its posterity.  He therefore called on the international community to fulfil its commitments to support the peace process in Cote d'Ivoire.
President Jammeh further congratulated President Gbagbo and Prime Minister Charles Konan-Banny for their smooth collaboration, and hoped that this would bring lasting peace to the brotherly people of Cote d'Ivoire.

At the bilateral level, the two Heads of State expressed satisfaction at the excellent relations that exist between the two sister countries and reiterated their determination to further strengthen these bonds in the mutual interest of the two peoples and countries.
In this regard, the two Heads of State instructed their respective Governments to work together for the establishment of a Joint Ministerial Commission.

The two Heads of State stressed the need for the private sectors of The Gambia and Cote d'Ivoire to work together to further strengthen their economic and commercial cooperation.
At the sub-regional level, the two Heads of State reaffirmed their support for the consolidation of the democratisation process in Guinea Bissau and urged the international community to provide the necessary assistance for the consolidation of peace and normalcy in that Sister Republic.
Regarding the Islamic Republic of Mauritaina, the two Heads of State noted with satisfaction the efforts of His Excellency Col Ely Ould Mohammed Val to speedily return the Republic of Mauritania to constitutional rule.

Concerning Liberia, the two Heads of State welcomed the election of the first African female President, Her Excellency Mrs Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf and pledged their full support for the reconstruction of Liberia and the consolidation of peace and national reconciliation.
The two Heads of State express concern over the escalation of violence in the Middle East especially in Lebanon, and called on all sides to exercise restraint, and engage in dialogue with a view to ensuring a peaceful and lasting solution. They reaffirmed their condemnation of terrorism everywhere in the world.

At the end of the visit, His Excellency President Gbagbo thanked his brother and friend His Excellency President Jammeh, the Government and people of The Gambia for the warm welcome and fraternal hospitality accorded to him and his delegation during their stay in Banjul.
His Excellency President Gbagbo invited His Excellency President Jammeh to pay a friendly and working visit to the Republic of Cote d'Ivoire at a date to be determined through diplomatic channels.
His Excellency President Jammeh accepted the invitation with pleasure.

Done In Banjul, The Gambia
This 23rd of July, 2006