Held at the Chinese Embassy in Banjul, the event brought together over 80 participants.
They included government officials, 25 Gambian students set to depart for China this September, returning graduates, and alumni who studied in China since diplomatic ties resumed and as far back as the 1980s.
Ambassador Liu Jin said generations of Gambian students in China have carried forward the torch of China-Gambia friendship.
He noted that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the resumption of diplomatic relations, calling it a significant milestone.
“Over the past decade, nearly 400 young Gambians have been awarded Chinese government scholarships,” Ambassador Liu said.
“Your study fields covered critical areas including basic science, IT, engineering, medicine, and public service. After your studies, you returned to serve your country and inject fresh momentum into national development.”
He recalled that cooperation predates 2016. “The bonds of our friendship go far beyond these recent ten years. As early as the 1980s, when China had modest means, we still invited Gambian students to study in China,” he said.
Ambassador Liu announced that 25 new students on Chinese Government and MOFCOM scholarships will depart for China this September.
He pledged that China will continue offering government scholarships and introduce the Chinese Ambassador Scholarship for top students at UTG and USET.
The Chinese diplomat also outlined new projects: a joint biology laboratory with UTG and a Luban Workshop at USET to provide technical training and help The Gambia develop its own engineering professionals.
For his part, Hon. Prof. Pierre Gomez, Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, said China’s support in education and talent development is fueling The Gambia’s economic and social progress.
He urged students heading to China to study hard, build capacity, and serve their country.
The event ended with Ambassador Liu and Minister Gomez presenting admission certificates to the new scholarship recipients. New and returning students also held warm exchanges, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
