The German ambassador noted that German unity and a free, peaceful and undivided Europe was finally achieved, saying this historic experience is the reason Germany today is supporting freedom, democracy and peace in the world.
“This is why we are supporting Ukraine, which is defending itself against a brutal and illegal war of aggression from Russia. This is also why we are supporting many African nations in their quest for peace, human rights, democracy and development.”
He also talked about The Gambia-Germany relations, saying it has been a good year for German-Gambian relations, as two countries voted together in the UN to uphold its principles and right of all states to sovereignty and non-interference.
He acknowledged that The Gambia and Germany have been also close partners in the defense of human rights worldwide.
“Germany is and remains a strong supporter of the Gambia's transnational, transitional justice system and its security sector reform, among others.”
To this end, he maintained that Gambia and Germany above all share a special bond.
Those bonds, he added, are manifested with the roughly 17,000 Gambians living in Germany today, pointing out that while the majority of them are doing very well there, those who return to the Gambia are often in need of support to start a new life here.
The German diplomatic chief in Gambia also talked about support provided by the Gambian-German Advisory Center as well as GIZ in The Gambia.
The support extended to returning migrants, he added, includes vocational training in a variety of professions, while others create their own business if they wish to do so, as well as cash on hand.
He, moreover, observed that many returning migrants come with new skills and abilities with which they can work productively and support their families, adding that their new chance is also a new opportunity for the country.
For his part, Dawda Jallow, Attorney General and Minter for Justice on behalf of The government of The Gambia, first extended his warmest congratulations to His Excellency Frank-Walter Steinmeier, president and people of Germany.
The day, he added, commemorates not only German unification, but also the enduring triumph of democracy, resilience and freedom, principles that resonate deeply with the Gambian nation.
“For six decades, since the establishment of diplomatic relationship with the Gambia in 1965, The Gambia and Germany have shared a partnership rooted in mutual respect and common values. This bond was renewed with particular vitality following the Gambia's democratic transition in 2017.”
Minister Jallow acknowledged that Germany has proven to be a steadfast partner throughout, providing substantial technical and financial cooperation in critical sectors; security reform, education, health, economic development and governance.
He also pointed out that the establishment of the full German Embassy in Banjul in May 2023 stands as a powerful testament to Germany's confidence in Gambia's democratic journey and its commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation.
Minster Jallow also talked about German-supported initiatives in vocational training, entrepreneurship and skills development that have directly empowered Gambian youth and communities.
He said Germany has also played an important role within the EU in supporting the Gambia's reform agenda, particularly in the areas of democratic consolidation and economic governance.
