Gambia-Taiwan commit to promote world peace

Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou Saturday ended his four-day visit to The Gambia, agreeing with his Gambian counterpart, President Yahya Jammeh, to work closely in future to promote world peace and prosperity.

In a joint communiqué read by the ministers of foreign affairs of The Gambia and the Republic of China on Taiwan, Dr Momodou Tangara and Timothy Yang respectively, at State House on Saturday, the two leaders agreed that all nations should, based on the principles of sovereignty and equality, work to resolve international disputes through dialogue, negotiation and other peaceful means.

President Ma, who arrived in Banjul last Wednesday, visited various projects in The Gambia funded by Taiwan, President Jammeh’s home village of Kanilai, the Banjulinding Women’s Garden, the Port of Banjul, the Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital and the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in Banjul.

During the visit, the two presidents exchanged views, in a brotherly atmosphere, on various matters of mutual concern and on strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

According to the communiqué, President Jammeh commended President Ma for his remarkable achievements in pursuing a policy of viable diplomacy, which has greatly reduced tensions across the Taiwan Strait, and brought peace and prosperity that the whole world could enjoy.

President Ma recognized President jammeh’s great efforts in developing The Gambia and promoting the welfare of the Gambian people, and took the opportunity to express his gratitude to the Government of the Republic of The Gambia for its staunch support for the government of the Republic of China (Taiwan).

On the other hand, President Jammeh expressed his appreciation for the assistance extended by Taiwan to The Gambia in agriculture, health, education, human resources, infrastructure and other areas of national development.

President Jammeh also reaffirmed his support for the bid that Taiwan is making to participate in the specialized agencies of the United Nations and other international organizations.

He on behalf of the government and people of The Gambia welcomed President Ma for his first visit as Head of State of the Republic of China (Taiwan), and commented that the visit was a clear manifestation of the cordial bilateral relations.

President Ma expressed his gratitude to President Jammeh for the courtesies and warm welcome accorded to him by the government and people of The Gambia, during his stay.