Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou arrives today

The President of the Republic of China (Taiwan) Ma Ying-jeou arrives in Banjul today with a high-powered delegation as part of his 12-day tour of three nations in Africa.

“President Ma leads a delegation to visit the Republic of The Gambia from April 11 to 14, 2012. The state visit aims to bolster mutual understanding and strengthen relations between two nations,” announced an ROC embassy press release.

During his visit, President Ma is expected to sign a joint communiqué with President Yahya Jammeh.

President Ma will also inspect the implementation of the bilateral cooperation projects, including the hospitals operated with the aid of ROC medical teams and agricultural technology projects, according to the release.

“H.E. President Ma will also be invited to stay at H.E. President Jammeh’s home village Kanilai for one night. The delegation will visit the Gambia’s National Museum and the Naval Fleet,” it added.

In addition, a troupe from National Taiwan University of Arts will perform traditional Taiwanese dance and folk songs to boost cultural exchanges between two sides.

The officials accompanying President Ma for the trip include presidential office adviser Mr. Chan Chi-shean, national Security Council secretary-general Mr. Hu Wei-chen, foreign affairs Minister H.E. Timothy C.T. Yang, council of labour affairs minister Ms Wang Ju-hsuan and related government officials and representatives.

Meanwhile, this paper has learned that President Ma will be received by his Gambian counterpart upon arrival at Banjul International Airport.