Mauritanian Mufti and Delegation Visit Gambian Vice President to Bolster Bilateral Relations
By Abdou Mbye
In a powerful gesture of brotherly solidarity and religious collaboration, the Mufti of Mauritania and his distinguished delegation on Friday, 14 November paid a courtesy visit to His Excellency Vice President Mohammed BS Jallow at the State House in Banjul.
The high-level meeting centered on the historic and ongoing ties between The Gambia and Mauritania, particularly in the spheres of Islamic scholarship and education. Ahmed Ould Murabit, the grand Mufti highlighted the deep-rooted relationship, reminiscing about the many Gambian scholars who have studied in Mauritania and the Mauritanian scholars who have supported the Muslim community in The Gambia over the years.
“Our main objective for this visit is to strengthen the relationship between Islamic scholars of Mauritania and The Gambia,” the Mufti emphasized. He underscored how such cooperation fosters unity, understanding, and resilience against extremism and division among Muslims.
A key focus of the discussions was the continued educational exchange, with many Gambian students traveling to Mauritania to pursue Islamic studies. The Mufti praised the students’ dedication and good character, noting that many have returned to The Gambia to establish madrasas and even universities, further enriching the country’s religious and educational landscape.
“We are here to congratulate the Gambian government for the excellent work being done by its students in Mauritania and to encourage even greater support for these young learners,” he said. The delegation also stressed the importance of fostering a cordial relationship between scholars and authorities, which they observed is already thriving in The Gambia.
The visit concluded with a call for continued cooperation between the two nations, not only in religious and educational matters but also in maintaining the strong political and cultural bonds that have long united their peoples. “The future of our countries and the peaceful life that Gambians cherish lie in the hands of the youth,” the Mufti remarked, urging ongoing support for the next generation of Islamic scholars.
The meeting was marked by mutual respect and a shared vision for enhanced collaboration, further cementing the historic friendship between The Gambia and Mauritania.