Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has been accorded an exceptional welcome ceremony as he arrived in The Gambia on his maiden state visit.

After landing at the Banjul International Airport onboard a Senegal presidential jet, he was received on the tarmac by his counterpart, President Adama Barrow, who was dressed in all-white. 

After the customary guard of honour, the two heads of state drove to State House where they are expected to hold a meeting regarding the bilateral relations of the two nations.

Well wishers and students lined the streets to welcome President Faye and his delegation. 

President Faye assumed power last month in a historic election victory that saw him defeat the handpick candidate of former Senegalese President Macky Sall. 

The Gambia state visit is the second overseas trip for President Faye since coming into office. 

Last week he visited Mauritania to signal the growing ties between the neighbouring countries. 

Reporting by Adama Makasuba