Minister Tangara discusses FOCAC with China’s African affairs DG Wu Peng

Ambassador Wu Peng and delegation called on the Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad Dr Mamadou Tangara at his office on January 23rd 2024, where the two officials engaged on areas of cooperation between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of The Gambia – particularly within the framework of FOCAC while also exploring opportunities for program scale up and/ or freeing up of bottlenecks that hinder progress.

Reflecting on the nine program areas put forward by His Excellency President Xi Jinping to guide Africa-China relations, the two officials noted that at the heart of these programs lies the everlasting spirit of China-Africa friendship and cooperation; sincere friendship and equality; win-win cooperation for mutual benefit and common development; fairness and justice; and progress with the times and openness and inclusiveness. China’s contributions to The Gambia’s human capacity, green development, digitalisation and innovation, trade and investment as well as health care delivery was acknowledged by Dr Tangara on behalf of a grateful nation.

Similarly, H.E. Mamadou Tangara expressed his appreciation for the visit, considering it is timely as it gives The Gambia a better opportunity to prepare as a country for the upcoming 2024 FOCAC.

He further reiterated that the Republic of The Gambia has always recognised China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and is committed to the one-China Principle. Dr Tangara further took the opportunity to reaffirm MOFA’s commitment to facilitating the development Agenda of His Excellency President Adama Barrow through reinforced bilateral cooperation with China.

BANJUL, 24 January 2024