“Furthermore, we renew our interest in the case filed at the International Court of Justice on the plight of the Rohingya people in Myanmar. In this endeavour, we count on the support and efforts of the Organisation for Islamic Cooperation and all genuine partners to ensure that justice is served in Myanmar,” Barrow said in a speech at the general debate of the 75th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
“To promote friendly relations between States, The Gambia calls for the normalisation of relations between Cuba and the United States. In the same vein, we fully endorse the one-China policy, and look forward to stronger, mutually beneficial international cooperation with the Peoples’ Republic of China.”
He also called for Africa’s greater representation at UN Security Council. “As we celebrate seventy-five years of the existence of this democratic Organisation, it is a paradox that Africa is still negotiating for representation on the Security Council. Yet, much of its agenda affect the African continent. Certainly, Africa’s voice on the Council will build confidence and reinforce the legitimacy of its decisions.”
Mr. Barrow also dwelled into the Gambian economy, saying The Gambia’s economy has shrunk to 2% of GDP, and it continues to contract. “Our tourism sector, which is a major employer and foreign exchange earner, is devastated, and unemployment is increasing rapidly.”
“In this complex situation, my Government has, with the support of partners, instituted social protection programmes to ease the adverse impact on our people. These interventions are not sustainable without external support.”
