The vice-president, Dr Aja Isatou Njie-Saidy, yesterday formally opened the third Guinea Bissau-Gambia Joint Inter-ministerial Commission at the Atlantic Hotel in Banjul, describing the two countries as "indivisible" owing to the strong historical, cultural and ethnic affinities they share.

Vice-President Njie Saidy reminded delegates of the two sides that the peoples of the two countries are descendants of the Kaabu and Fulladou Kingdoms, as well as the Mali Empire.

"In this regard, all efforts must be geared towards ensuring that unity and unity of purpose are maintained not only at the bilateral level, but also at the regional and the continental levels," she urged.

She informed the gathering that the joint commission presents an opportunity to bring together policy makers and experts of the two countries to discuss important issues, including agriculture, trade, customs, tourism, fisheries, transport, social security, justice and other development related issues.

"These must be placed at the centre of our respective development and joint cooperation agenda, if we are to realise the goals of halving extreme poverty and hunger by target date of 2015 set in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)," the vice-president said.

She expressed confidence that with the expertise, commitment and dedication of the officials from the two countries, there will be a headway to tackle and resolve issues affecting both countries, with a view to ensure a better future.

She emphasised that peace and security are the bedrock of any country's development, adding that The Gambia has "always been and will continue to be a partner and a staunch" supporter of the Bissau-Guinean cause, as it strives to rebuild her economy and deepen its democracy.

"Our acceptance to participate in the deliberations of the United Nations Peace Building Commission as 'friends of Guinea-Bissau' is a testimony of our commitment to assist the brotherly nation consolidate recent gains and improve security conditions there and by extension in the sub-region", she elaborated.

She then reiterated The Gambia government's appreciation to President Jao Bernado Nino Vieira of Guinea Bissau for attending the AU Summit in Banjul in June/July 2006.

For his part, Martinho N'dafa Cabi, the prime minister of Guinea Bissau, amplified that the two countries share cultural and historical ties, but colonisation divided people.

He expressed appreciation with the warm and friendly welcome accorded to him since arrival, noting that this showed a good signal of the brotherly relations between Banjul and Bissau.

Prime Minister Cabi then used the opportunity to convey President Vieira's warm congratulation and greetings to President Jammeh and the Gambian people.