Senegalese President Abdoulie Wade arrived in The Gambia for a two day working visit after reports of strained relations between the two countries.

The Senegalese leader was received at the Banjul International Airport at 10:00 in the morning by Gambian President Yahya, and his delegation including vice president, service chiefs, Speaker of the Parliament among other dignitaries, and traditional rulers among other dignitaries.

According to the state radio, President Wade is offered an unparallel reception upon arrival at the airport amid cultural display before the two leaders left for Coco ocean hotel, where Wade lodges.

The reason for Wade’s for visit is not made clear, but an analyst predicts the discussion between the two leaders will centre on strained relation between the two countries.

The republics of The Gambia and Senegal not only neighbors, but shares common historical background; even formed a confederation in the early eighties, during the regimes of former presidents, Dawda Jawara and Abdou Joof The Gambia and Senegal respectively.
The confederation however shot-lived - and the relations between the two countries over the years have been tense as accusations and counter accusations of one country supporting the other’s enemies mount uncontrolled.

Infact Wade visit came two weeks after the Senegalese foreign minister, Madicke Niang came and had a private discussion with the Gambian leader.

Madicke Niang told reporters his visit is not to talk on the relations between the two countries, but said he was on a sub-regional tour starting with The Gambia.

Niang however said he is convinced having had a meeting with President Jammeh his visit will improved on the relations.

“We have identified new channels of communication”, he told reporters “….the two countries will have new face in their relations.”

Also prior the minister’s visit, the pro-government newspaper publishes a letter, they said Kukoi Samba Sanyang, a rebel leader wrote to President Wade.

The daily observer alleges that the two - Wade and Kukoi - are planning to plot against president Jammeh – an allegation neither the Gambian nor Senegalese authorities clarified.

“Wade’s visit is good”, the Gambian Ambassador to Senegal told state-owned radio at the airport few minutes after Wade arrived. “I pray the outcome of the meeting between the two leaders will strengthen the relations between us.”

Also speaking to the local media the Paramount Chief Demba Sanyang said: “We are very happy, What Gambia and Senegal needs between them is peace and stability.”

President Wade is expected to leave here tomorrow morning.