The Minister of Defence Hon. Sering Modou Njie with a strong team of defence functionaries including PS Mrs. Rohie Bittaye Darboe and DCDS Major General Mamat O. Cham met with the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China H.E Liu Jin on 9 May 2023. During the important interface, Hon. Njie conveyed thanks and appreciation on behalf of the defence establishment of The Gambia to the government and people of China through their Banjul embassy.
He highlighted specifically while appreciating the recent donation of assorted soft-skin vehicles and other equipment toward supporting the peacekeeping aspirations and preparations of the Gambia Armed Forces (GAF). This he posited will go a long way in strengthening and improving the standing of the Armed Forces. Hon. Njie thus indicated government’s resolve and willingness to strengthen cooperation with China in promoting global peace, security and stability.
He also seized the moment to highlight a number of key areas such as training programs benefited from China by GAF as well as other capacity enhancing technical endeavors including acquisition of necessary equipment that are currently in discussion. The Minister furthered his satisfaction with the growth of relations amongst the two countries, principally involving interactions and cooperation in the military field.
On his part, H.E Amb. Liu Jin extolled the already existing good relations and expressed his satisfaction in the development trend and strides made in the relations of the two countries already. He further expressed appreciation for the interface and highlighted the steady growth registered thus far and the possible incremental and step-by-step solution seeking on common challenges toward a benefitting end for both peoples.
He indicated the willingness of China through the Banjul Embassy to further the course of friendly ties and strong cooperation across a wide array of areas as the two countries move forward together as partners. This he said is achievable and China is willing to deepen exchanges and collaboration with The Gambia. He keenly underscored cooperation in the field of security by supporting The Gambia in actively keeping regional peace and stability while jointly promoting the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.
H.E the Ambassador also highlighted the proposal of President Xi Jinping on Global Security Initiative. This he said points to the pathway of addressing security challenges by all states through cooperation as the international community is currently experiencing multiple risk challenges.