2nd October 2002:

The President of Guinea-Bissau, Dr. Kumba Yalla arrived in Banjul on Monday for a working visit. His host, President Dr. Alhaji Yahya A.J.J Jammeh met him on arrival at the Banjul International Airport. Dr. Yalla and delegation on Tuesday visited the Kombo coastal roads, Tanji fisheries project and Gambia Tourism Authority office in Kololi before his departure at 12 Noon.

The President of Guinea-Bissau, Dr. Kumba Yalla has described relations between the Gambia and Bissau as strong and cordial. President Yalla was speaking on Tuesday at a press briefing held at the Banjul International Airport after a tete with his host, President Dr. Alhaji Yahya A.J.J Jammeh.

President Yalla emphasized the need for the new breed of African politicians to work in close collaboration in order to promote peace, unity and development on the continent. The Guinean leader said that his mission to the Gambia was in connection with the ECOWAS Heads of State meeting held recently in Ghana on the situation in Ivory Coast.

He said that ECOWAS leaders have resolved to the formation of a committee that would look into ways and means of resolving the conflict. President Yalla said that as a member of ECOWAS he thought it prudent to consult President Jammeh on the issue.

The Guinean leader also said that priority should be given to dialogue in trying to find a lasting and permanent solution to the crisis. In a brief ceremony at the Airport, the Secretary of State for Tourism and Culture, Yankuba Touray on behalf of the Gambia Tourism Authority presented some arts works to President Kumba Yalla.