By Binta Jaiteh
The Gambia and the People’s Republic of China Thursday, 4th November, signed Economic and Technical Cooperation agreement.
Speaking during the signing ceremony of the agreement held at Chinese Embassy, Bijilo, Dr Momodou Tangara Minister of Foreign Affairs expressed satisfaction over the signed agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation between the two countries.
“This is another induction that The Gambia and the People’s Republic of China shared excellent relations that continued to flourish and grow,” he said.
According to him, he said The Gambia adding than support to one policy and the country’s commitment to the principles of equality, mutual benefit and respect to each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
“As a result of the excellent relations that have developed over the years, The Gambia has benefited in areas of education through the provision of scholarships and training programs; agriculture, trade ,economic; cooperation through infrastructural development projects, culture health and utility,” he added.
He continued that “under the stewardship of Ambassador Ma Jianchum our scope of cooperation has solidified meanwhile remains focused on the relevant and priority sectors of our National development agenda.
“The country in its own path remains committed to support China’s partnership and leadership role on the global stage. Indeed the cooperation and friendship that exist between the two countries are deeply rooted and I avail myself of this opportunity to fostering it for the mutual benefit of our people,” he pledged.
His Excellency Ma Jianchum said on behalf of the government of the People’s Republic of China also expressed delights over the signed agreement between the two governments.
He said “in accordance to the signed agreement, the Government of China agrees to provide The Gambia Government with grant aid of 150 million RMB Yuan, which worth of D1.2 billion for the implementation of the projects decided by the China and Gambia through consultation.
“The signing of this agreement is a concrete measure to follow up the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries at the Beijing Summit forum on China-Africa,” he disclosed.
Since the resumption of diplomatic relations between China and The Gambia in 2016, he said, the two counties have signed five economic and technical cooperation agreements. Under the framework of these agreements the Chinese government has offered grant and aid to The Gambia.
According to the Ambassador, the project of Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre, project of the Roads and Bridges in URR was successfully completed.
His Excellency Adama Barrow honored the Inauguration Ceremony in Basse noting that the completion of these projects have boosted the economic and social development of The Gambia and brought tangible benefits to The Gambian people.
“The goal to jointly build a closer China-Africa community with a shared future through win-win cooperation is the consensus reached by H.E President Xi Jinping and H.E President Adama Barrow at Beijing Summit” he reiterated.
Currently, the China-Gambia relation is developing solidly and steadily, China supports Gambian government’s endeavor in pushing forward, Build The New Gambia and hopes that more high quality projects are going to be initiated under the new agreement.