Tabling the motion, the minister for Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, Dr. Mamadou Tangara highlighted that the agreement, a diplomatic accord, aims at facilitating travels between nations for individuals holding diplomatic or service passports.
“This agreement allows holders of such passports from either countries to enter, exit, transit and stay in the territory of the other country without the need for visa.
“It fosters closer diplomatic relationship and promotes cooperation between the Gambia and Indonesia and Azerbaijan. The National Assembly may review and ratify this agreement to ensure its compliance with national laws and interest,” he said.
“This agreement signifies a significant step towards strengthening the diplomatic and bilateral ties between the three nations by exempting holders of diplomatic and service passports from visa requirement. It will not only facilitate smoother diplomatic exchange but also foster greater cooperation and collaboration in various fields including trade, culture, and education, tourism by removing barriers to travel for diplomatic and working level personals.”
“It facilitates easier ideas, expertise and resources between the two nations,” Dr. Tangara argued.
“The agreement can also facilitate business investment activities between these countries. This may lead to increase trade and investment opportunities and contributing to economic growth and development in both countries.”
“By entering into this agreement, both governments demonstrate their commitment to mutual respect, good will, and friendship. It serves as a symbol of cooperation and solidarity between The Gambia, Indonesia and Azerbaijan by reinforcing their commitment to positive diplomatic relations,” Tangara said.
Reacting to this, Hon Sainey Jawara, the NAM for Lower Saloum, suggested that students and individuals going for medical checks should be included in the package.
Hon. Assan Touray, the Bakau legislator, said looking at the geographical areas between Indonesia and Azerbaijan, “we have limited citizens of The Gambia traveling to these countries.” He thus appealed for the exemption to include all ordinary passport holders.
Responding to this, the minister explained that “to get exemption requires lot of negotiation as we are aware the biggest challenge the world is facing is migration. Therefore, taking such a decision to open up and allow each and every one to have access without visa will bring them major criticism to their countries.”
