According to reports monitored on GRTS over the weekend, the Gambian leader, His Excellency Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh, has called for a new international financial architecture that would create a platform for an equal voice and participation of developing countries as a way to respond to the current global challenges.

President Jammeh made these remarks recently at the just concluded 15th Ordinary Session of the Non-Aligned Movement Summit, held at the Egyptian Red Sea resort of Sharm El-Sheikh. Professor Jammeh called for drastic measures in solving the impact of the global financial and food crises. He said the food crisis should serve as an urgent wake up call for the international community to reform major policies for the attainment of food security. "I believe that despite the scepticism on the relevance of the Non-Aligned Movement, the movement's orders will solidify our organisation's resolve and commitment to respond to the global challenges," he remarked.

The Gambian leader also called for a concerted effort at the global level to end the occupation of Palestinian lands. President Jammeh also held series of bilateral meetings with world leaders, including the president of Turkey, Abdullah Gul; the prime minister of Morocco, Abbas El Fassi; and the president of South Africa, Jacob Zuma.