The Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to The Gambia has spoken highly of the cooperation ties binding Berlin and Banjul.
He also highlighted that as The Gambia prepares for its upcoming presidential election, the world is watching.
"For the future of The Gambia it is of crucial importance that the upcoming presidential elections are held fairly, following the law and the international democratic rulebook," Ambassador Klaus Botzet noted.
The German ambassador made these remarks on Tuesday at a reception organised as part of events marking the Day of German Unity.
The Day of German Unity, marked annually on 3rd October, represents one of the most defining moments in modern European history. It also marks the historic reunification of East and West Germany on 3rd October 1990, following decades of division and the peaceful transformation that culminated in the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989.
The German envoy acknowledged that The Gambia has become an important partner and that Germany has been supporting it in building stronger and more democratic institutions.
He indicated that Germany is celebrating the Day of German Unity not only because a terrible border in the middle of the country came down 36 years ago and the people were reunited after decades of separation.
"We also celebrate the end of the socialist dictatorship in East Germany which allowed all Germans in East and West to enjoy the freedoms of democracy again," he stated.
Ambassador Botzet reminded that because of the German experience of two dictatorships in the 20th century, they have become such staunch supporters of democracy in the world and also in The Gambia.
He recalled that since 2017, the German-Gambian relationship has steadily grown, revealing that The Gambia has become a more and more important partner for them, as they have also been supporting in building stronger and more democratic institutions.
"We have also been jointly defending human rights and stood up for the Charter of the United Nations, in order to preserve peace and the rights of all states to be free from wars of aggression."
He also commented on Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, while calling on Russia to end its “inhumane attacks” on Ukrainian cities and civilians immediately.
At the home front, the German envoy noted that as The Gambia prepares to hold its third presidential election in December 2026, the world is watching.
"In a region where authoritarian rule has unfortunately become more widespread, it is now even more important that The Gambia remains steadfastly democratic," he advised.
He indicated that for the future of The Gambia, it is of crucial importance that the upcoming presidential elections are held fairly, following the law and the international democratic rulebook.
"As the Chief Observer of the European Electoral Observer Mission, Dr Lopatka, has put it a few days ago, all legitimate candidates should be allowed to run and the elections should be held free and fair," he pointed out.
In the areas of cooperation, the German diplomat stated that 2026 has been a good year.
"First, Germany remains a strong supporter of The Gambia's transitional justice system and its security sector reform. We welcome the nomination of Special Prosecutor Martin Hackett and are looking for ways to extend our support."
He also announced two new cooperation projects starting this year; the already successful GPST project of the State Police of Baden-Württemberg with the Gambian National Police has been granted a second phase.
"A first technical meeting with the GNP under the leadership of Inspector General Touray has already taken place and a strategy for the next steps has been adopted."
The other new project, he added, will focus on the Gambian economy, indicating that the project WIDU, co-financed by the EU, offers topping-up grants to members of the Gambian diaspora if they make productive investments in small and medium-sized Gambian companies.
Also speaking, Sering Modou Njie, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, on behalf of the Government of The Gambia, extended warmest heartfelt felicitations to the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Germany on this important national occasion.
The Day of German Unity, commemorated annually on 3rd October, represents one of the defining moments in modern European history.
"It marks the historic reunification of East and West Germany on 3rd October 1990, following decades of division and the peaceful transformation that culminated in the fall of the Berlin Wall in November 1989," he said.
This historic achievement, he added, therefore represents the triumph of the aspiration of people for freedom, democracy, self-determination and their right to determine their collective future.
Minister Njie further commented on Germany's experience as one that resonates well and reminds all that unity, reconciliation and national cohesion are not simply ideals to be celebrated, but that they are values that must be continuously nurtured through dialogue, mutual understanding, democratic institutions and shared commitment to the common good.
Minister Njie acknowledged that The Gambia and Germany share longstanding relations founded on mutual respect, friendship and cooperation.
"Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1965," he said, "the two countries have maintained cordial ties and progressively expanded areas of mutual engagement."
He also observed that over the years, this relationship has evolved beyond traditional diplomatic exchanges into a partnership that encompasses development cooperation, democratic governance, institutional strengthening, security cooperation and people-to-people relations.
The event was graced by senior government officials, members of the diplomatic community, friends and partners of the Embassy in The Gambia.
Bright Stars comedy group entertained the gathering.
