The Gambian leader, His Excellency Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya A.J. J. Jammeh on Tuesday received at his office the Prime Minister of the Republic of Guinea Bissau, Carlos Gomez Junior. He was accompanied to State House by The Gambia's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Gambians Abroad, Ousman Jammeh.

Speaking to journalists shortly after his audience with the President, Mr. Gomez said the aim of his visit is to strengthen the bilateral ties between Banjul and Bissau. He said the visit also gave him the opportunity to review all the frameworks and agreements of the OMVG with President Jammeh, whom he noted to be a friend of Guinea Bissau.

The Prime Minister recalled in his first visit to The Gambia inviting the Gambian leader to invest in Guinea Bissau, to tap the natural resources of that country for the benefit of the region.

He reiterated his commitment and concern to the brotherly relationship that exists between The Gambia and Bissau, noting that as Africans we should come together, work together and develop our continent.

Prime Minister Gomez revealed that his country is preparing for a round table conference on security reforms in Guinea Bissau to be held in New York, in which he said they are seeking the support of President Jammeh. A similar round table conference, he added, will be held in October this year at Brublles, where friends of Guinea Bissau will be invited, in order to assist in raising funds for the development of that country.

Prime Minister Gomez thanked President Jammeh for his concern about peace and development in Guinea Bissau. He also thanked the Foreign Affairs Ministry and all Gambians for the warm welcome.

By Alhagie Ceesay and Aji Fatou Jammeh