By Sering Mass Jallow
Guinea-Bissau has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening bilateral and political cooperation with The Gambia as it commemorates the 53rd anniversary of its independence.
The Head of the Guinea-Bissau diplomatic mission in The Gambia, Ambassador Luis Domingos Camala des Varos, made the commitment during a high-level reception held at Coco Ocean Resort and Spa in Bijilo.
The event brought together senior government officials, cabinet ministers, security chiefs and members of the diplomatic corps accredited to The Gambia.
In his keynote address, Ambassador Domingos described relations between Guinea-Bissau and The Gambia as increasingly dynamic, noting that bilateral cooperation had expanded in areas of mutual interest.
“Our bilateral cooperation is currently experiencing extraordinary dynamics. We have witnessed substantial trends in bilateral agreements across strategic sectors, with particular emphasis on continued high-level political and diplomatic consultations,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the Gambian Government, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy Lamin Jabbi described Guinea-Bissau’s independence anniversary as an important occasion, stressing the longstanding bonds between the two countries.
“The relationship between the two countries is much deeper than formal diplomatic ties. It is rooted in our shared history, geography, culture and longstanding bonds between our people,” he said.
Minister Jabbi said the relationship had been sustained by strong people-to-people ties involving families, communities, traders, students, professionals and civil servants.
“These have for decades maintained close contacts across our borders,” he added.
The minister said the anniversary provided an opportunity to further strengthen cooperation between the two countries in addressing cross-border challenges.
He highlighted areas including transnational security, information sharing, institutional coordination and the peaceful movement of people and goods between Guinea-Bissau and The Gambia.
The two neighbouring countries maintain longstanding political, economic, cultural and people-to-people ties, with cooperation extending across several sectors.