Opportunity presents itself to restore ties with Iran

The Government of the Gambia in 2010 announced that it had severed all diplomatic, economic, political and social ties with the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran effective 22nd November 2010.

In the announcement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Relations and Gambians Abroad notified the general public that the Government of the Gambia has taken the decision to sever all diplomatic, economic, political and social ties with the government of the Republic of Iran effective 22nd November 2010.

“A press release issued from the Foreign Affairs ministry says all Government of the Gambia projects and programmes which were being implemented in cooperation with the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran have been cancelled.

“Consequently, the despatch requests all Iranian nationals representing the interest of the government of Iran in the Gambia to leave the country within 48 hours from the effective date stipulated through a notification issued to the Government of Iran”.

Well, three years on, an opportunity has just emerged with the election of Hasan Rowhani as the president of Iran.

While we do not know what actually lead to the diplomatic shift, we feel like it is an opportunity for the two countries to restore diplomatic ties in the interest of our country.

With the new leadership in Tehran, there is possibility of restoring ties and redefining the relations with Banjul.

 We all know that prior to the diplomatic rift in 2010, the Islamic Republic of Iran had been very supportive to the country’s development, especially in agriculture.

As a poor country, The Gambia needs more diplomatic allies to boost our economy, and the Islamic republic of Iran could be one such partner.

We urge the Gambia government to consider this proposal to seek for a genuine relationship with Tehran, as called for by our foreign policy.

In fact, we were told that in diplomacy there exist no permanent friends, but permanent interests.