By Arret Jatta
The Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MOHERST), on Friday, 23rd August, received delegates from The People’s Republic of China at MOHERST head office in Bijilo.
The purpose of the visit was meant to strengthen further the already existing bilateral ties between the two countries and also to sign a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), between the People’s Republic of China and MOHERST.
In his welcoming remarks, Hon. Minister Prof. Pierre Gomez highlighted that The People’s Republic of China has always been a worthy partner to The Cambia, especially in the education sector.
“ It is worth noting that the education sectors of the two countries realize the need for this partnership and moved a step ahead to sign a memorandum of understanding. Today, this gathering is a clear indication of the progress we have made under that memorandum and we are optimistic about future collaboration,” he remarked.
The Minister added that the donation of the boreholes by LiuGong Machinery South Africa Limited, led by the General Manager was a good gesture, and the TVET institutions and the Ministry were appreciative of it.
Mr. Wang Weiping, a member of the standing committee and head of the organization department of the CPC Guangxi Committee said with the Ministry, they are old friends.
“You’re an old friend of the Chinese people so with your hard work, the direction between The Gambia and China has been strengthened. So, on behalf of China, we would like to extend a welcome to you again for your next week’s visit,” he said.
Meanwhile, he extended appreciation and gratitude to the Ministry for their contribution to strengthening the operational exchanges between The Gambia and China.
“In years 2017 and 2018, the presidents of China and The Gambia met in Beijing for two consecutive years reaching a consensus on strengthening cultural, educational, and youth development and strengthening public support for friendship between the two countries to provide fundamental guidelines for the coming exchanges in the cooperation in various fields,” he disclosed.
Mr Weiping added that their visit this time is to implement the consensus reached by the two Heads of State and deepen educational exchanges and cooperation at the local level.
Dr. Yusupha Touray, Permanent Secretary of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology earlier welcomed the delegates to the Ministry of Higher Education while expressing delight in their partnership.
The PS noted that the Ministry has been looking forward to the session with The People’s Republic of China for a while.
