By Lamin Kujabi
Professor Alioune Sow, Minister of Culture and Natural Heritage of the Senegalese government on Friday, January 6th paid courtesy on call on His Excellency President Adama Barrow at the State House in Banjul.
After his audience with the Gambian President, Professor Sow revealed that as a way of strengthening the historical ties between The Gambia and Senegal, they are flirting with the idea of initiating one big annual cultural festival to promote exchanges between the two countries’ musicians and arts.
“I share the belief that culture can be a source of inspiration to promote national development,’’ he added.
He went on: “Today, we celebrate Gambia and Senegal partnership. Our two leaders serve as role models in democracy and social economic development as well as for peace and neighboring cooperation and collaboration between the two countriesâ€.
The Senegalese minister expressed honour and privilege to be received by President Adama Barrow to deliver a friendly message from President Macky Sall, President of the Republic of Senegal.
He said they have revisited the two country’s cultural cooperation from the framework agreement to ongoing cultural cooperation and recommendation as directed by the two Presidents, to re-enforce and develop initiatives to promote cultural actions between the two countries.
He said President Barrow has also demonstrated his knowledge and vision about culture and how culture can bring unity and foster development.
On welcoming the Minister and his delegation, President Barrow embraced the friendly and brotherly relations with his colleague President Macky Sall, the government and the people of Senegal, reiterating the socio-cultural bond he described as ‘natural’. “We should be proud of who we are and believe in ourselves,†he added.
He urged the two authorities to work closely to unite the people through the policies they developed to strengthen the excellent neighbourliness between the two countries. He stressed the importance of the relations, saying, “Your immediate neighbour is your strongest partner, and we will succeed together,†while praying for peace to continue to prevail in the region.
Hamat NK Bah, Minister of Tourism and Culture of The Gambia, described the visit as historic; hence the historic engagement with President Barrow, who he said has demonstrated his government’s commitment and ultimate desire to preserve, promote and advance the culture of not only The Gambia, but Senegambia in general.
The Senegalese minister’s delegation comprised Ibrahima Mourtada Lo, Oumar Badiane, Germain Coly, Sokhna Gaye, Fatou Laye Diop, Amira Abed, Maria Diop, Yaram Ndiaye, Ibou Diuop and Amadou Ba.
The delegation was accompanied to the State House by Hamat NK Bah, Minister of Tourism and Culture; Hassum Ceesay, Director General of National Centre for Art and Culture; Saine, Senegalese Ambassador to The Gambia.
