Speaking at the reception, Chinese Ambassador to The Gambia, Liu Jin, announced Beijing's readiness to assist The Gambia in overcoming its energy difficulties.
"Right now, The Gambia is facing power cuts. We truly understand what you are going through, and we are ready to lend a hand to help The Gambia overcome this difficulty as soon as possible," Ambassador Liu said.
He revealed that the Greater Banjul Area Electricity Enhancement Project, financed through a Chinese grant worth 91 million Chinese Renminbi (RMB), was recently signed.
He described the initiative as another symbol of the strong partnership, alongside major infrastructure projects such as the China-funded International Conference Centre and the Upper River Region roads and bridges project.
According to Ambassador Liu, the project reflects a relationship that is both "people-centred and development-oriented".
This year also marks the 10th anniversary of the resumption of diplomatic relations between China and The Gambia.
Reflecting on the progress, the ambassador said political trust has continued to deepen through sustained high-level engagements.
He noted that Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Adama Barrow have met on three occasions, leading to the elevation of bilateral relations to a strategic partnership.
"China and The Gambia firmly support each other on issues concerning our respective core interests and major concerns," he said.
The ambassador cited practical cooperation in infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare and education, including the continued dispatch of medical teams and agricultural experts and expanded scholarship opportunities.
He disclosed that nearly 400 Gambian students have studied in China under Chinese Government Scholarships, while hundreds more have benefited from support provided by the Embassy. More than 1,000 Gambians from different sectors have visited China through exchange programmes.
Addressing global developments, Ambassador Liu highlighted China's economic transformation and commitment to peaceful development.
"China's modernisation offers opportunities, not threats, to all countries," he stressed.
The reception served as Ambassador Liu's final National Day celebration in The Gambia before the conclusion of his four-year diplomatic mission.
"Though I am leaving, my deep affection for Gambian friends will never change, and my commitment to China-Gambia friendship will never change," he said.
In one of the evening's most emotional moments, he added: "I will leave The Gambia, but The Gambia will never leave me."
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Communication and Digital Economy Lamin Jabbi said the anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on China's journey since its founding.
The Gambia, he said, recognizes China's growing contribution beyond its borders.
"Through South-South cooperation, Forum on China Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), the Belt and Road Initiative and other international partnerships, China has become an important development partner for many countries across Africa and the developing world."
He added: "2026 has been designated the China-Africa Year of People-to-People exchanges, and The Gambia welcomes this initiative as an opportunity to place our peoples at the centre of our partnership."
Jabbi commended Ambassador Liu for his role in strengthening bilateral ties, noting his tenure coincided with the consolidation of the strategic partnership.
