Gambia – China sign D1.2 billion economic and technical cooperation agreement

The signed cooperation agreement is a grant from the Chinese Government meant to cover priority areas critical to Gambia’s economic development. The two countries will unveil the priority areas.

In his remark at the ceremony held at the Chinese Embassy in Bijilo, Foreign Minister Tangara expressed profound gratitude and gratefulness to the Government and people of China, noting that the ceremony was another indication of China’s recognition of its responsibility to advancing the development of states around the world. Dr. Tangara assured the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to The Gambia, H.E. Ma Jianchun, that The Gambia and its leadership would always respect and adhere to One-China policy.

“The Government of The Gambia will always respect and adhere to One-China policy. We believe as a matter of principle and respect for international law that there is only One-China,” Foreign Minister Tangara posited.

Minister Tangara said as a result of the excellent relations that have developed over the years, The Gambia benefited in areas of education through the provision of scholarships and training programmes, agriculture, economic and trade cooperation through infrastructural development projects, culture, health and utility.

Dr. Tangara renewed The Gambia’s commitment to the principles of equality, mutual benefit and respect to each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty whilst expressing gratitude to China’s continuous solidarity, respect and support to Africa especially during the peak of COVID-19 pandemic.

Minister Tangara used the opportunity to commend Ambassador Ma Jianchun for the steady progress in Gambia – China relations. He observed that Ambassador Ma has been very instrumental in pushing forward the ambition of “Build The New Gambia,” adding that more high quality projects would be initiated under the signed framework agreement.

For his part, the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to The Gambia, His Excellency Ma Jianchun said, the signing of the cooperation agreement was another milestone in strengthening economic and technological cooperation between the Government of the Republic of The Gambia and the Government of the People’s Republic of China.

Ambassador Ma said China would continue work with The Gambia in further strengthening bilateral cooperation so as to create more opportunities for peoples in both countries.

The ceremony was attended by the acting Director of Asia and Oceanic Affairs Division of the Ministry, Mrs. Mariam Khan – Jallow and chaired by Mr. Saikou Ceesay, Second Secretary, at the aforementioned Division.