By Ismaila Sonko & Maria Lopes
National Assembly members have adopted the motion for the establishment of the parliamentary friendship between the National Assembly of the Republic of the Gambia and that of the People’s Power of Cuba.
The majority leader Samba Jallow also the member for Niamina Dankunku has raised the motion for the Assembly to consider and adopt the motion of the establishment of a parliamentary friendship between the National Assembly of the Republic of the Gambia and the National Assembly of the People’s Power of Cuba.
Honorable Jallow noted that the Gambia and Cuba have enjoyed longstanding brotherly relationship based on mutual cooperation and understanding. The two countries share many common interests and purposes ranging from health, agriculture and among others.
He added that the establishment of this parliamentary friendship shall enhance cooperation and support between the two legislatures in the key relevant areas such as development cooperation, legislative support, technical assistance, as well as to boost people relations among others.
He said that Gambia and Cuba have been great friends and the Gambia has been offering support to Cuban interests and causes in the international arena. The Cuba has been contributing to the improvement of medical services in the Gambia by providing doctors and nurses in the country.
“Cuban doctors, nurses, technical and medical collaborators are serving in almost all the regions of the Gambia. The presence of Cuban medical team has greatly improved the accessibility of health and health care delivery in the country,” he noted.
The Minority leader explained that the establishment of this parliamentary friendship would continue to strengthen the relations and collaborations in other relevant fields, mutual cooperation and development. The two legislatures therefore should be poised to provide the much needed support that would enhance the pragmatic cooperation to benefit the two people.
According to him, the cordial diplomatic ties between the two countries based on mutual trust and cooperation by recognizing the great importance Cuba attaches to its relations with the Gambia. Cuba continues supporting the Gambians development agenda, notably the health sector. He recognizes that the relations between the two legislatures are important part of the bilateral ties between the two countries.
NAMS Reactions to the Motion
National Assembly Member for Kantora Biley Tunkara said that to build a parliamentary friendship with Cuba is a good moved by the two countries because it will play a very good relation when it comes to exchange of ideas.
Sainey Touray for Jarra East said that this is a right time for us to present our images to the world because we all know that if you come to our health sector the Cuban government has contributed a lot by providing Doctors and Nurses in our healthy centers across the country.
Amadou Camara, NAM for Niamina East said if the National Assembly is making selection, they should choose the people that are not in the international committee executives so that they can also have the opportunity to be part of the executive committee.
Ousman Sillah, NAM for Banjul North also said that Cuba have the intention for what they intend to do in terms of development so with this friendship we would learn from them because Cuban people have love for each other and that has made them to be developed as a nation.
NAM for Wuli West, Sedia Jatta also said that Cuban government is not only helping the Gambian government but they are helping other countries all over the world when it comes to the health delivery service. They did not stop on that, even in the Educational system in the world they are supporting other countries and the Gambia is part of those countries.
