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Chinese Ambassador presents US$210,000 to First Lady’s Foundation

Oct 12, 2016, 10:40 AM | Article By: Adam Jobe

(Monday October 10, 2016 Issue)

The government of the People’s Republic of China, through its Embassy in The Gambia, has donated US$210,000 to the First Lady’s Operation Save the Children Foundation, OSCF, at a ceremony held at the First Lady’s office at State House in Banjul.

Speaking to the press corp shortly after meeting, first lady Zineb Jammeh, Ambassador Zhang Jiming of China said they were honoured and humbled to have the opportunity to present to the first lady and chairperson of the OSCF, a donation for the expansion project of the paediatric and maternity wards at the Serrekunda General Hospital.

“We came to realise that the hospital serves nearly one-third of the Gambia’s population, of whom 10 per cent are children. We fully understand the need and urgency to expand the hospital,” he said.

He added that “as a gesture of goodwill, solidarity and appreciation of the admirable efforts of the first lady and her foundation in improving the welfare of Gambian children and women,” the embassy decided to make the donation to the foundation for the project.

The Chinese ambassador was hopeful that the contribution would go a long way in helping her achieve the foundation’s objective to create an environment conducive for the well-being of Gambian children and women.

“By this donation, we would also like to say that we have full confidence and commitment to the bilateral relationship between China and The Gambia,” he declared.

Since the resumption of diplomatic relations between the two countries, he said, a lot has happened in the past six months.

The Chinese ambassador was presented with a Goodwill Ambassador Certificate and trophy by the first lady.

He said he was honoured to receive the certificate as a Goodwill Ambassador for the Foundation.

“This is yet another huge honour to me, to my team and to the embassy in recognising our efforts and commitment in promoting the friendly cooperation between our two countries. It is a big encouragement and we feel more motivated.”