The official launching also marked the first-ever China International Press Communication Center (CIPCC) Alumni experience sharing event, dubbed “China-Gambia Bantaba”, under the theme: “Empowering the Next Generation of Journalists to Foster Gambia-China Relations”.
Facilitated by the Chinese embassy, the Bantaba aims to enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples through informal, interactive and lively exchanges.
The event, held at the International Conference Center in Bijilo, provided opportunity for Gambian journalists CIPCC alumni, through a panel discussion, to share their knowledge and experiences gained during their stay in China under the CIPCC project.
The gathering also gave alumni equal chance to discuss the levels at which the initiative has helped them sharpen their minds and bring positive changes in their professions. It was also a platform to provide advice to the youth on the opportunities CIPCC offers journalists.
The CIPCC initiative is believed to be providing youth with valuable knowledge, perspective, and practical insights on the role of journalists in promoting international diplomacy and understanding.
The CIPCC Alumni initiative also serves as a testimony of the “enormous” assistance the Chinese government has provided The Gambia for the media and broadcasting sector through training programs and exchange visits.
In his keynote speech, His Excellency Liu Jin, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to The Gambia, said that as a serial event initiated by the Embassy, it would become an avenue for town-hall meetings in the Smiling Coast of The Gambia, focusing on China-Gambia friendship.
“We will choose a different theme for each Bantaba, and invite friends from all walks of life in Gambian society to conduct informal and interactive exchanges with us,” the ambassador said.
Expressing optimism about the fruitfulness of the initiative, he added: “Our two peoples can deepen our understanding and appreciation of each other's countries and civilizations through sincere exchanges, so that the friendship between our two countries can be further promoted at grassroots level and passed on to the next generation.”
He appreciated the importance of the FOCAC Beijing Summit in 2024 as having aided the China-Gambia and China-Africa relations, where Chinese President Xi Jinping met with President Adama Barrow and jointly announced the elevation of China-Gambia bilateral relations to a strategic partnership.
Ambassador Liu Jin recalled that at the summit, H.E President Xi announced China would work with Africa to take ten partnership actions for modernisation, including partnership action for mutual learning among civilisations and for national exchanges, designating 2026 as the China-Africa year of People-to-People Exchanges, expected to provide 60,000 training opportunities to Africa, mainly for women and youth.
Referring to the implementation of the outcomes of the FOCAC Summit and the important consensus of the two leaders, he said: “We have launched this China-Gambia Bantaba, and decided to center the opening event on youth empowerment and China-Gambia friendship.”
In his remarks, Information Minister Ismaila Ceesay stated that the China-Gambia ‘Bantaba’ seeks to provide insights on the role of journalists in promoting international diplomacy and understanding.
The event was marked by growing recognition of the critical role journalists play in promoting international diplomacy and understanding.
“Journalists, as the bearers of truth and the voice of the people, are essential to safeguarding transparency and accountability,” he said. “Their work ensures that diverse voices are heard, injustices are exposed, and public interest remains at the heart of our national discourse. More so, by informing and educating the public, they provide a foundation upon which democracy can thrive.”
Dr Ceesay noted that the media connect policymakers to foreign governments and people, and serve as a channel for transmitting the diplomatic narrative from one state actor to another and for audiences to achieve particular goals.
“Journalists support governments in communicating key government policies and programs to international state and non-state actors, to facilitate the signing of bilateral agreements,” he pointed out, assuring of Gambia government’s full commitment to enhancing the capacity of journalists.
The initiative also validates the fruitful bilateral relationship between The Gambia and the Chinese government, based on shared cultural values, fighting corruption, and respect for rule of law.