The Gambia and Senegal have signed a series of new cooperation agreements covering energy, border management, the digital economy, youth development, culture, tourism, and higher education following the conclusion of the 4th Senegalo-Gambian Presidential Council in Dakar.

The agreements were sealed as President Adama Barrow and Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye met to review and strengthen ties between the two neighbouring countries.

As the highest decision-making body for bilateral relations, the Presidential Council is tasked with advancing joint initiatives aimed at improving the lives of citizens on both sides of the border.

President Barrow described the Council as an opportunity to strengthen the historic bond between The Gambia and Senegal for the benefit of future generations.

He reaffirmed The Gambia’s commitment to implementing the decisions reached and called for deeper collaboration in defence and security, trade and investment, agriculture, fisheries, transport, health, education, environmental protection, digital transformation, and border management.

President Faye said the Council had evolved into a results-oriented platform, pointing to the Senegambia Bridge and the Senelec-NAWEC electricity interconnection project as examples of successful cooperation. He also pledged Senegal’s commitment to boosting economic integration, expanding trade, and tackling illicit fishing.

To ensure the agreements translate into concrete action, both countries agreed to establish joint working groups to coordinate, monitor, and fast-track the implementation of commitments made during the Council.