Banjul (The Gambia), July 25, GNA - Ghana and The Gambia have expressed their determination to deepen bilateral relations by rekindling their Permanent Joint Cooperation Commission.

Vice President Aliu Mahama, at a meeting with his Gambian counterpart, Madam Isatou Njie Saidy, in the Gambian Capital of Banjul, proposed the idea, which was well received by his host.

The Gambian side also accepted a suggestion from Ghana to institute an annual sports festival between the two countries to bring their youth closer for friendship and better understanding.

Vice President Mahama stressed that the ECOWAS vision of promoting vibrant trade and socio-economic integration as well as ensuring the free movement among citizens in the Sub-Region must become an actuality, saying EOWAS Chairman John Agyekum Kufuor was passionate about the issue.

He commended the people of The Gambia for her socio-economic progress over the years and their warm reception of foreigners, particularly Ghanaians and encouraged them to continue in their stride toward economic independence.

Madam Saidy, for her part, praised the excellent relations between the two countries, saying President Kufuor and Yahya Jammeh had a common passion, which was their strong determination to ensure that their people enjoyed good quality life.

She commended Ghana's key role in ECOWAS and the African Union, saying her country had a high regard for the leadership and the people of Ghana.

Madam Saidy expressed his wish to see greater collaboration between the two countries in all productive spheres of society.

Vice President Aliu Mahama was in The Gambia for a three-day official visit at the invitation of President Jammeh to participation in activities to mark ten years of development under his leadership.

He was accompanied by Professor Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi, Minister of Ports, Harbours and Railways, Mr Rashid Bawa, Minister of State for Education, Youth and Sports, Mr Akwasi Osei-Adjei, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Abraham Osei Aidoo, Deputy Majority Leader in Parliament, Alhaji Baba Mustapha Sheriff, Ghana's Ambassador to Guinea and other public officials.

The Vice President returned home on Sunday. 25 July 04