Two special envoys from the President's of Guinea Conakry and Burundi on Tuesday paid a courtesy call on the President Professor Alhaji Yahya Jammeh. They are the Foreign Minister of Guinea Alexandra Cece Loua and Cheriff Aidara. The envoys were led to State House by the Secretary of State for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Crispin Grey Johnson who is overseeing the Foreign Affairs Department.

Speaking to reporters the Guinean Foreign Minister disclosed that he had delivered a special message on his country's political situation to President Jammeh from the Guinean Leader Captain Musa Dadis Camara. Alexandra Cece Loua said he had explained to Professor Jammeh the reasons, which prompted the military to take over in Guinea following the demise of President Lansana Conteh last month. He said President Jammeh was pleased with his explanation and has advised them on how to handle the situation leading to free and fair elections. Commenting on the timeframe on the return to civilian rule, Mr Loua explained that it is up to the people of Guinea to decide.

Also, speaking to reporters the envoy of President Pierre Nkurunziza of Burundi, Cheriff Aidara said his discussions with the Gambian leader centered on the instability in the Great Lakes Region. He also disclosed that they have discussed the proposed visit of President Pierre Nkurunziza to The Gambia in the near future. He praised President Jammeh for his efforts and the importance he attaches to global peace and stability, particularly his involvement in trying to address the situation in the Great Lakes Region. Mr. Aidara who is also Burundi's Ambassador to the Gambia commended the Gambian leader for giving him audience.

In a separate engagement, the French Ambassador to the Gambia, Jean Christophe Ruffin also paid a courtesy call on President Jammeh. Speaking to reporters, Ambassador Ruffin said he conveyed sincere greetings to the Gambian leader from President Nicolas Sarkozy. He said they have discussed issues pertaining to relations between the Gambia and the EU and France as well new regulations to enable Gambians process their visa formalities in Banjul instead of travelling to Dakar.