[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 5 (Tuesday, February 3, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E83-E84]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     WELCOMING SENEGAL TO LOUISIANA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. RICHARD H. BAKER

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 3, 1998

  Mr. BAKER. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have the opportunity to 
extend a warm welcome to Paul Ndong, Mayor of Joal-Fadiouth,

[[Page E84]]

Senegal, West Africa, and his delegation as they visit their sister 
city, Baker, Louisiana.
  Sharing similar traits such as their French heritage, seaside ports 
and a love for life, Louisiana and Senegal have several things in 
common. So, it is only natural that the town of Joal-Fadiouth and the 
town of Baker should select each other to be sister cities. As a result 
of a visit from Baker Mayor Bobby Simpson to Senegal last year, the 
mayor of Joal-Fadiouth, Mayor Paul Ndong, will visit Baker, Louisiana, 
this week and complete the ceremonial bridge that will formally unite 
these two cities. I am excited about this newly forged friendship and 
look forward to the promising partnership which stands to grow.
  As these two cities continue to cultivate their friendships, I am 
confident that residents of both Baker and Joal-Fadiouth will gain a 
deeper appreciation and understanding of each other's culture and 
identities. Through education, scientific, economic development and 
cultural exchanges, the citizens of both of these cities have the 
tremendous opportunity to learn more about another country through 
exciting and interactive means. These real, hands-on experiences will 
bridge the geographical gap between Baker and Joal-Fadiouth and bring a 
land which was at once both foreign and distant, closer to home.
  So, as Mayor Paul Ndong travels through Baker, I wish him the warmest 
welcome and hope that he enjoys and learns much from his stay. And in 
the tradition of our shared French heritage, I would like to say soyez 
les bienvenus a la Louisiana--faites comme chez vous.

                          ____________________