20 presidents expected to grace independence, as Chinese president sends envoy to Gambia

A special envoy of Xi Jinping, president of the People’s Republic of China, is to visit The Gambia to attend the 52nd independence anniversary celebrations which also marks the inauguration of the new Gambian president, Adama Barrow.

Furthermore, about 20 heads of state and government representatives from countries in Africa and beyond are expected to grace the occasion, which will be marked by a military parade, march-past of school children and cultural displays.

The special Chinese envoy, MA Peihua, vice chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), is coming to The Gambia to grace the occasion at the invitation of President Barrow.

Since China and The Gambia resumed diplomatic relations in March 2016, the bilateral cooperation in various fields has been “advancing extensively”.

In a press release from the Embassy of People’s Republic of China in The Gambia, the Chinese spokesperson said the resumption of diplomatic ties between China and The Gambia conforms with the historic trend and is in the fundamental interest of the two countries and peoples.

The spokesperson said China appreciates the new government of The Gambia for adhering to the ‘One China’ policy.

“China would take the opportunity of implementing the outcomes of the Johannesburg Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), and make joint efforts with The Gambia to further deepen the comprehensive friendly cooperation so as to deliver benefits to the two peoples,” the press release added.