The
European Union (EU) yesterday announced a new disbursement of D1.25 billion
grant to The Gambia government as budget support.
“This
budget support will stabilise the national budget and contribute to the balance
of payments,” said Mrs Carla Montesi, director for West and Central Africa at
the European Commission Directorate of International Cooperation and
Development.
She
made the announcement following an audience with The Gambian leader, President
Adama Barrow, yesterday at the State House in Fajara.
Mrs
Montesi said: “Today’s disbursement is an important step forward for the EU’s
development partnership with the Gambian government. We remain committed to
supporting Gambians in their democratic transition.
“Through
this unprecedented grant, the EU aims to promote sound public financial
management, mobilising domestic resources and fighting corruption as well as
supporting political reforms.
“The
EU is also looking forward to strengthening its relations with The Gambia in
the fields of migration and economic development and in particular support to
youth employment.”
In
February 2017, EU Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development,
Mr Neven Mimica, expressed the European Union’s willingness to partner with The
Gambia on its path towards democracy.
In
the presence of President Barrow, he signed an immediate package of some D3.75
billion and announced a subsequent one of about D7.5 billion before the end of
2017.
