Following exchange of diplomatic pleasantries, Foreign Minister Tangara welcomed Ambassador Paschall and thanked the people of the United States of America for voting in the Biden administration. He used the opportunity to convey messages of best wishes and congratulations from His Excellency President Adama Barrow and Vice President Dr. Isatou Touray to His Excellency President Joe Biden and Vice President Her Excellency Kamala Harris.
He expressed optimism that there would be a new rise of multilateralism that would yield greater social and economic prosperity and security. He said the Biden administration’s decision to reposition the US in the World Health Organisation, rejoining the Paris Climate Accord and enforcing border security renewed confidence among nations. He said The Gambia is looking forward to strengthening bilateral relations with the United States in areas captured in the National Development Plan (NDP) of The Gambia.
For his part, the Ambassador of the United States, H.E. Richard C. Paschall, informed Foreign Minister Tangara that the US has re-joined the Paris Climate Accord and reengaged with the World Health Organisation (WHO). He said President Biden issued a proclamation to reverse the banning of citizens of certain Muslim countries from entering the United States amongst others.
Ambassador Paschall said the US will revive development assistance programmes that were stopped as a result of the autocratic nature in which The Gambia was governed during the past 22 years. He assured that more engagements would be made with the Ministry of Health and support will be given to a lot of areas in the National Development Plan (NDP) of the Government of The Gambia. These amongst other pertinent issues were the subjects of their discussion.
Issued by the Communication Unit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad
