By Fatou Sowe
The Minister of Defence Sering Modou Njie and delegation recently paid an official visit to the senior minister of National Defence of the Republic of Guinea Bissau Mr Marciano Silva Barbeiro at Bissau the capital of Guinea.
The visit comes following an official invitation from Mr. Marciano Silva Barbeiro to his Gambian counterpart Hon. Sering Modou Njie.
Upon arrival at Mpack, the delegation received a guard of honour mounted by the members of Guinea Bissau Armed Forces. This was followed by a warm reception at the town of Sao Domingo where the Minister and delegation were accorded a memorable welcome by the former Minister of National Defence of Guinea Bissau Marcelino Cabral, senior officers and personnel of the Guinea Bissau Armed Forces. Hon. Njie and delegation ensued to the Bissau Royal Hotel where they retired for the day.
The Minister of Defence and delegation on Tuesday 8th November 2022 paid a courtesy call on the Senior Minister of National Defence Mr. Marciano Silva Berberio at the Ministry of National Defence complex in Bissau. Minister Njie extended warmest greetings and sincere appreciation to his counterpart for the reception accorded to him and his delegation since arrival.
The two Ministers of Defence had a broad discussion centered on means of strengthening the existing bilateral relations of both countries, ensure stronger partnerships in the areas of security and Defence and collaborate collectively in enhancing that peace and stability is maintained within the sub-region.
Minister Njie and team then proceeded to pay a courtesy call on the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Guinea Bissau Lieutenant General Biaque Nan Tam at the Defence Headquarters in Bissau. Hon. Njie expressed delight in meeting the top general despite his demanding schedule.
They had a momentary encounter which was followed by a brief ceremony of the laying of wreath on the tomb of Amical Lopes Cabral and an exclusive sight visit of National Liberation Struggle Museum in Bissau.
The Gambian delegation led by the Minister of Defence continued their engagements in paying a courtesy call on the Prime Minister of the Republic of Guinea Bissau H.E Nuno Gomes Nabian at the Palace de la Republic in Bissau. The Minister of Defence on behalf of His Excellency the President of the Republic of the Gambia and Commander-In-Chief of the Gambia Armed Forces Mr. Adama Barrow extended greetings to His Excellency the President of the Republic of Guinea Bissau and General of the Army Mr. Umaro Sissoco Embalo, the Prime Minster and the Government of Guinea Bissau. The meeting between the Government officials focused mainly on strengthening the cordial relations between the two countries for the mutual benefit of all.
Minister Njie and team accompanied by Mr. Marciano Silva Barbiero on Wednesday 9th November 2022 visited the Guinea Bissau Military Training School located in the region Oio, Cumere. The visit featured the inspection of the training and accommodation facilities in the training school. The visit also revealed massive structures under construction for better accommodation facilities in the training campus.
The Honourable Minister of Defence and delegation summed up the official visit with a Gala Dinner organized by the Ministry of National Defence.
