The Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, Dr. Mamadou Tangara, on Monday 8th February 2021 received the newly appointed African Union Commission Secretary, Ms. Lindiwe Khumalo, who was at the Ministry to pay a courtesy call on the Honourable Minister.

Also Ambassadors of Guinea Conakry, Netherlands, India and Venezuela were at the Foreign Ministry to present copies of their Letters of Credence to the Honourable before the actual presentation of their Letters of Credence to H.E. President Barrow on 9th February 2021 at State House.

Warmly welcoming the African Union Commission Secretary, Minister Tangara spoke highly of the cordial relationship between the Government of The Gambia and the African Union Commission. He promised that the Government of The Gambia would continue to collaborate and give the required support to the Commission. Minister Tangara stated the need for the Government of The Gambia and the African Union Commission to work together towards building premises that would serve as a permanent complex for the African Union Commission Secretariat in The Gambia.

The Minister took the opportunity to express his profound confidence in the newly elected African Union Commission Members thus assuring that they would contribute immensely towards the development of the Union which will benefit the entire continent.

For her part, the AU Commission Secretary, Ms. Lindiwe Khumalo, thanked the Government of The Gambia for the support given during the African Union Commission election. She assured the Honourable Minister of the Commission’s readiness to work with The Gambia Government on the establishment of permanent premises for the Commission. Other issues relating to the work of the Commission were discussed.

In the series of diplomatic engagements, Dr. Tangara received Her Excellency Aminata Kobele Keita, Ambassador of the Republic of Guinea Conakry who came to present copies of her Letters of Credence to Foreign Minister Tangara.

In receiving Ambassador Kobele Keita, Minister Tangara congratulated her and extended the appreciation of His Excellency President Adama Barrow to his counterpart His Excellency Alpha Conde for the peaceful role he played during the 2016 political impasse in the country which led to the end of the Jammeh regime.

For her part, Ambassador Kobele Keita showed appreciation to the Government of The Gambia for the warm welcome her delegation has received. Her Excellency Kobele Keita suggested the need to establish a Joint Commission between The Gambia and Guinea Conakry which will sustain the harmonious cooperation and preserve the long standing historical relations between the two countries.

The next to meet the Honourable Minister was the Ambassador of Netherlands, Her Excellency Joan JJ Weigman, who also was at the Ministry to present copies of her Letters of Credence to the Minister of Foreign Affair, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, Dr. Mamadou Tangara

The Honourable Minister welcomed the Diplomat to The Gambia and extended warm greetings and gratitude from His Excellency Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of The Gambia to Prime Minister Mark Rutte, the Government, and People of Netherlands.

He recalled that the Netherlands has been very instrumental in supporting private sector development in Africa which creates job opportunities for the youth. He reminded Ambassador Weigman of the need for a tripartite meeting to be organised between The Gambia, Canada, and the Netherlands on the Rohingya case that brought Myanmar to the International Criminal Justice.

Ambassador Weigman thanked the Minister for receiving her and assured him of the readiness of the Netherlands Government to continue working in The Gambia. She said Netherlands will continue to render the needs of the private sector whilst adding the need for NGO work to be professionalised.

On the Rohingya case, she said the Netherlands as a member of the Genocide Convention is interested in the Myanmar case at the International Court of Justice adding that the Netherlands firmly believes that impunity cannot go unpunished. Other issues of bilateral interest between the two countries were discussed.

His Excellency Godavarthi Venkata Srinivas, the Ambassador of India also presented copies of his Letters of Credence to the Minister of Foreign Affair, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, Dr. Mamadou Tangara.

Following exchange of diplomatic pleasantries, the two sides renewed their commitment to continue working on issues of mutual interest to both countries. In this drive, they agreed to look for trade boosting opportunities and also provide scholarships and implement traditional medicine Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two countries.

The Ambassador of Venezuela, His Excellency Alejandro Israel Correa Ortega, presented copies of his Letters of Credence to the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr.Mamadou Tangara.

Minister Tangara welcomed him on behalf of His Excellency President Adama Barrow and thanked the Government of Venezuela and His Excellency Nicolás Maduro, President of Venezuela for the support Venezuela has rendered to the youth of the Continent of Africa.

This, the Minister added, is valued by the continent of Africa whilst assuring him of Gambia’s support to Venezuela at all times.

His Excellency Ortega expressed delight at the reception accorded to him. He said Venezuela is ready to renew and revamp the already excellent bilateral relations between The Gambia and Venezuela. Discussions between the two sides, centered on the following areas of cooperation: Health, Fisheries, Agriculture, training for the Police Force and training for Diplomats.

Issued by the Communication Unit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad

Saikou CEESAY

Communications Officer

Ministry of Foreign Affairs,