At the invitation of his brother and friend, His Excellency Alhaji Dr Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh, President of the Republic of The Gambia, His Excellency Sidi Mohamed Ould Cheikh Abdallahi, President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, paid a friendly and working visit to the Republic of The Gambia from 29th February 2008 to 1st March 2008. 

His Excellency, President Sidi Mohamed Ould Cheikh Abdallahi was accompanied by a high-ranking delegation.

His Excellency, President Ould Cheikh Abdallahi and delegation were met on arrival at the Banjul International Airport by His Excellency, President Alhaji Dr. Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh, Secretaries of State (Ministers), National Assembly members, Government officials and the Mauritanian Community in The Gambia.

During the visit, the two Heads of State had a tete-a-tete in the course of which they discussed issues of bilateral, regional and international interest.

His Excellency President Sidi Mohamed Ould Cheikh Abdallahi also received in audience the Mauritanian Community in The Gambia.

His Excellency, President Jammeh, took the opportunity to once again congratulate His Excellency President Ould Cheikh Abdallahi for his victory at the presidential elections. He also commended the Government and people of Mauritania for their show of political maturity in the conduct of peaceful, free and fair elections which was hailed by the international community.

His Excellency President Jammeh awarded His Excellency President Ould Cheikh Abdallahi the Insignia of Grand Commander of the Republic of The Gambia.

At the end of the visit, His Excellency, President Ould Cheikh Abdallahi expressed his gratitude to His Excellency President Jammeh, the Government and people of The Gambia for the brotherly warm welcome and hospitality extended to him and his delegation since their arrival in Banjul.

His Excellency, Ould Cheikh Abdullahi extended an invitation to His Excellency President Jammeh to pay a friendly and working visit to the Islamic Republic of Mauritania.

His Excellency, President Jammeh accepted the invitation with pleasure.

The date for this visit will be determined through diplomatic channels.

Done in Banjul this 1st Day of March 2008 in the English and French languages both texts being equally authentic

The discussions were held in a friendly and cordial atmosphere, and the two Heads of State had identical views on all the issues discussed.

At the bilateral level, the two Heads of State expressed satisfaction at the excellent relations that historically and happily exist between the two sisterly countries and their peoples, and reiterated their determination to further strengthen these bonds in the mutual interest of the two Governments and peoples.

The two Heads of State expressed satisfaction with the good conduct of the recently concluded 4th Session of the Mauritano-Gambian Joint Ministerial Commission meeting held in Banjul on 12th February 2008. In this regard they instructed the officials of the various Departments of both sides to follow the recommendations up by concrete actions.

The two Heads of State dilated at large on the various situations in the sub-region and on the African Continent at large. They noted with satisfaction the positive developments registered overall, on-going efforts to achieve peace and security throughout the continent. In this regard, they commended the efforts generally made by the African Union and the wider international Community.

The two Heads of State expressed their determination to work together in fighting all forms of threats to peace, security and stability of their two countries and, indeed of the entire sub-region.

During his stay, His Excellency President Sidi Mohamed Ould Cheikh Abdallahi and his delegation paid a visit to Gunjur Fisheries Complex and the Banjul Sea Port.