Nfally Fadara was speaking on Monday during the briefing of ambassadors and consulates ahead of the forthcoming Organization of Islamic Cooperation summit slated for 4 and 5 May 2024 to be held in The Gambia.
“I can assure you that The Gambia has enough bed capacity to host and accommodate the 3,000 or so delegates that we are anticipating,” he assured, saying: “We also have enough food for all the delegates that we expect. We have enough cars and transportation facilities to and from the airport, hotels and conference center for all the guests and delegates. The Gambia as a country will be able to ensure the safety and security of all the delegates from the point of arrival to the point of departure.”
Fadara also announced, while responding to a question by the High Commissioner of Pakistan, that the government has waived the US$20 airport security charge for all the OIC delegates coming for the Banjul Summit next month.
He said the US$20 fee has been ongoing at the airport since it was introduced in 2018, but during a diplomatic and consular briefing held recently the delegates would not pay airport fees.
“Government has placed a waiver on the airport fees for OIC delegates,” he affirms. “As part of our hospitality also, the government is granting visa on arrival free of charge for all the people that are coming.”
A major concern ahead of the summit has always been accommodation, considering The Gambia is expecting over 3,000 delegates. However, assuring the diplomats at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre recently, the head of brand and communication of this international event promised that there will be enough beds and food for everyone coming.
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