The world faces challenges that require partnerships and The Gambia and Canada are better positioned to make a difference, said outgoing Canadian High Commissioner to the Gambia, Lise Filiatrault.
She was at State House yesterday to paid a courtesy farewell on President Adama Barrow at the end of her duty in Banjul.
She discussed with the Gambian leader important for democracy and institutional building efforts of The Gambia.
She pointed out that relationship between Canada and The Gambia took a lot of strength in the past two years, saying she was privileged to serve her country in The Gambia and witnessed very important historic moments in the life of the country in its transition to democracy.
“Canada has been working alongside The Gambia to help with building and strengthening democratic institutions. It has been collaborating with the Ministry of Justice on the UN Peace Building Fund that Canada is a strong part of and the TRRC, especially in areas of gender based violence,” she told the State House media Corps after closed-door meeting.
With a relationship that is quite strong and diversified, President Adama Barrow assured that Canada and The Gambia will continue building the relations in a strong way.
Commissioner Filiatrault and President Barrow discussed future collaborations and ongoing activities that will continue to be developed at both bilateral and multilateral levels.
Gender equality and climate change were also part of discussions as other areas of further collaboration.
The enthusiasm of Gambians at the inauguration of President Barrow two years ago, left a lasting memory in her: “There was a natural movement of people welcoming us and at the stadium, the enthusiasm and the level of hope that was there was a memory that I will take with me,” Ambassador Filiatrualt said.
Ms. Filiatrault thinks it is important to go ahead in furtherance of that enthusiasm and hope, to transform it into action and sustained institutions for peace and democracy which she described as the foundation for the development of any country.