This paper has been reliably informed that the Taiwanese ambassador to The Gambia, Richard Shih, is set to leave the country after completing his tour of duty in Banjul.
“The Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to the Republic of The Gambia, Mr. Richard Shih, is going to complete his three-and-a-half year tour of duty in The Gambia in November 2011,” a press release from the Taiwanese embassy has said.
The release further announced he would be replaced by Ambassador Samuel Chen, Director General of the Department of African Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Taiwan, who has been appointed as the new Ambassador.
“Ambassador Shih would like to express his deepest appreciation to His Excellency Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr. Yahyh A.J.J. Jammeh, President of the Republic of The Gambia, Her Excellency Aja Dr. Isatou Njie-Saidy, Vice President of the Republic of The Gambia, and all the friends in the “Smiling Coast of Africa” for the assistance he has received during his tenure here,” the dispatch added.
He expressed confidence that Ambassador Samuel Chen would continue to work closely with the people and government of the Republic of The Gambia to further enhance the cordial relations between the two brotherly countries.
“As stated in his ROC Centennial National Day speech, Ambassador Shih and Mrs. Shih consider The Gambia as their home. Their hearts and love will be with this country and people forever, “ the release concluded.
