The Honourable Minister of Interior, Mr. Seyaka Sonko on Tuesday, 11th April 2023 received in audience the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to The Gambia, His Excellency Ambassador Liu Jin and his team at the Ministry’s complex in Kotu. The purpose of his visit was to strengthen the friendly bilateral ties between the two countries especially on security matters.
During the meeting, the Ambassador Liu Jin said he was at the Interior Ministry to reciprocate the visit of the Honourable Minister of Interior and to make follow-up on the upcoming exchange training programme on security for the Ministry of Interior and its line departments.
He revealed that the Chinese government plans to provide training for about 20 personnel under the Ministry of Interior on security and safety, which will mark the first exchange programme between the two countries after the Covid-19 pandemic. He stressed the need for both parties to continue to collaborate and ensure that the programme becomes a success.
The Ambassador expressed his willingness to explore possibilities for the Ministry of Interior and its counterpart in China to strengthen communication and cooperation in the future.
The Honourable Minister of Interior, Mr. Seyaka Sonko expressed appreciation to Ambassador Jin for the timely visit and for swiftly responding to the capacity building training needs of the Ministry of Interior.
He said the planed exchange training programme on security and safety will go a long way towards enhancing the skills of the security personnel in their service delivery to the general public. He acknowledged that the People’s Republic of China has been very supportive to The Gambia. Therefore, on behalf of President Adama Barrow, Minister Sonko thanked the people’s Republic of China for the continued support.
He explained that the government needs more security support especially now that the country is preparing to host the OIC summit this year 2023.
The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Interior, Mr. Assan Tangara thanked Ambassador Liu Jin for providing such a timely and significant training programme for his staff. He however highlighted some of the challenges of the Ministry and requested the People’s Republic of China’s intervention.
The Executive Secretary of the National Commission Against the Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons, The Gambia (NATCOM-SALW) Mr. Ebrima Deen SAVAGE, informed the Ambassador about the functions and work plan of the Commission and seek for the technical support from China government.