According to Ambassador Pampaloni, bringing the new constitution to life would be considered “the mother of all reforms” that would reflect the renewed democratic Gambia by ensuring a balance of powers, accountability and the respect and promotion of human rights and its related freedoms.
He made this remark at Coco Ocean at a reception organised to celebrate Europe Day and EU-The Gambia partnership and friendship.
He added that the government and political stakeholders’ relentless efforts shall culminate in a vote by the National Assembly to be followed by a referendum.
“This new constitution will eventually consolidate a governance structure that will enable all Gambian citizens and society altogether to flourish,” he pointed out.
“We know that global cooperation on migration between EU countries, the EU and The Gambia comes with some challenges,” he noted.
“Addressing these challenges is not always easy but we are confident to succeed eventually. Why? Because we work closely together; because we share a common vision on the need to respect international law, the need to respect people, their human rights and their dignity.”
“We will also succeed because we agree on the need to regulate migration while promoting youth employability and skills development within the country and improving the possibility for young Gambians to legally access qualified job opportunities abroad.”
Dr. Mamadou Tangara, the minister for Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, said the partnership with the EU is solidly built on shared values, common concerns, and aspirations.
“I am pleased to note the readiness of both the Gambia Government and the EU to have this important partnership further strengthened and expanded to include diverse areas of cooperation.”
He added The Gambia is committed to fostering constructive dialogue and cooperation with the EU on human rights, the rule of law and sustainable socio-economic transformation and development.
“We believe that open communication and collaboration are the bedrock to addressing the complex challenges facing our societies and promoting the universal values that we deem sacrosanct.”
He assured that The Gambia government is committed to providing all the support necessary to ensure that the commitments to implementing agreed programmes with the EU are fully implemented.
