The Gambia and Senegal have renewed their resolve to work together for the development of the Senegambia region. In a Joint Communiqué issued Wednesday at the Coco Ocean Hotel at the end of President Abdoulaye Wade's working visit, the two heads of state reviewed the political and economic situation of The Gambia and Senegal and promised to strengthen cooperation in all key areas of development.

The two sides agreed to construct a bridge over River Gambia and further agreed that the bridge will be managed by The Gambia. Among other things they also agreed to set up a joint border consultation commission. The Communiqué called on the international community to support the Atlantic Wall initiative which is designed to save Banjul, Dakar and St. Louis from coastal erosion.

Meanwhile alien cards have been waived for Senegalese nationals in The Gambia. Commenting on the waiver the Gambian leader described the move as a goodwill gesture and a manifestation of the brotherly ties between the two countries. He noted that the two people are one and inseparable.

Presidents Wade and Jammeh have also stressed the need for justice and tolerance so as to enhance peace and stability in the sub-region and Africa in general. Speaking at a news conference President Abdoulaye Wade promised to bolster security cooperation between The Gambia and Senegal to enhance peace and stability.

The Foreign Minister of The Gambia Ousman Jammeh and his Senegalese counterpart Madicke Niang signed theJjoint Communiqué on behalf of The Gambia and Senegal respectively. Meanwhile President Wade has acknowledged with appreciation the warm reception accorded him by the government and people of the Gambia and invited the President Sheikh Professor Dr. Yahya Jammeh to visit Senegal. The invitation was accepted accordingly.

His Excellency the President Sheikh Professor Dr. Alhaji Yahya Jammeh on Tuesday night hosted a State Banquet in honour of the Senegalese President Maitre Abdoulaye Wade at the Kairaba Beach Hotel. The occasion was graced by the Vice President Aja Dr. Isatou Njie Saidy and other dignitaries.

Speaking on the occasion President Jammeh dilated on the strong family bonds that exist between people of The Gambia and Senegal. He spoke of the need to further strengthen this relationship for the development and prosperity of the Senegambia people. President Jammeh also stressed the need for unity between the two countries, noting that the Senegambia region can serve as the spring board for African unity. The Gambian leader also reiterated the need for peace and security in Africa and urged African leaders to work sincerely in the interest of the continent. President Jammeh called for a concerted effort to eradicate colonial barriers that continue to keep the African continent apart.

Also speaking at the Banquet, the Senegalese President Maitre Abdoulaye Wade expressed delight for the warm reception and hospitality accorded him since his arrival in The Gambia. President Wade acknowledged the Gambian leader's commitment to pan-Africanism and lauded his leadership qualities as well as his development strides in the areas of infrastructure and road network. He described President Jammeh as a role model for African youths and hailed religious co-existence and the promotion of culture and tradition in the Gambia. The Senegalese leader emphasized the need for free movement of people as well as goods and services between The Gambia, Senegal and the sub-region at large. While expressing his commitment to pan-Africanism, President Wade called for concerted efforts to combat climate change and coastal erosion. The Senegalese leader described his visit as the beginning of a new phase of bilateral relations between The Gambia and Senegal.