The President Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh on Friday met with the Grand Imam of Medina Bai in Senegal Sheikh Tijan Ceesay. The religious leader was led to the State House by the Imam Ratib of Banjul Alhagie Cherno Alieu Mass Kah.

Speaking on the occasion, Imam Ratib Kah thanked President Jammeh for accepting their request which he said demonstrated his love for Islam and humanity. A member of the delegation Sheikh Njelly Ceesay said the visit was meant to consolidate the longstanding ties that have existing between the Nyassen and the Gambian leadership.

The Grand Imam of Medina Bai Sheikh Tijan Ceesay used the occasion to highlight his profound interest in strengthening peace and security between the two sister countries now divided by colonialism. He said his first official visit to the country since assuming imamship in Medina shortly after the dead of his brother Imam Assan Ceesay was purposely meant to renew commitment of the Nyassen to safeguard relations built by generations of spiritual leaders in Kaolack.

The Local Government Secretary of State Ismaila Sambou urged them to use their influence in society to promote greater understanding between Senegal and The Gambia.

In response, the Gambian leader Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh buttressed SOS Sambou's comments. He said religious leaders have a crucial role to play for the promotion of good neighbourliness. He used the occasion to talk about recent change of relations between Banjul and Dakar. He spoke at length on The Gambia's good intention towards Senegal, citing the award of major projects to Senegalese firms and the large presence of Senegalese citizens in the informal sector. He therefore appealed to Imam Ceesay to do his utmost to strengthen relations between the two countries. He further urged the religious leaders to pray for the strengthening of relations between Banjul and Dakar noting the people of Senegal and The Gambia are the same.