Thumbs Up For Israel/Gambia Relations

The Ambassador of Israel to The Gambia Mr. Gideon Behar has expressed great satisfaction over the friendly relationship between his country and The Gambia. Ambassador Behar, who ended a one week visit to The Gambia from his Dakar base, told The Point in an interview that he hoped to see more cooperation between The Gambia and Israel in the areas of telecommunications, construction, electronics, sewage and commerce amongst others in the coming years.

"My purpose of visit is to develop the contacts between The Gambia and Israel," says Ambassador Behar, adding that he came to make a follow-up of the leadership training that his country offered to 42 people from the Ministry of Basic Education in July/August 2009, saying that similar programmes are in store for next year.

During his visit Ambassador Behar went on, he had meetings with senior members of the Ministry of Education, the Imam Ratib of Banjul and the Mayor of Banjul, Mr. Samba Faal, who was at the last Mayors' Conference in Israel.

"The people of The Gambia have expressed satisfaction over the trainings that we are offering to them," Ambassador Behar said.

In the area of agriculture, the Israel chief diplomat disclosed plans to introduce a "Tipa" system of irrigation, similar to what they have introduced for the people of Senegal. With this system, he added, the country will be introduced to the modern form of agriculture.

He also said that he hopes that the two countries will cooperate in the other areas of health, women empowerment, energy and commerce. Ambassador Behar finally wished the entire Gambian people a happy "Tobaski" in advance.