Ambassador Liu Jin made these remarks on Tuesday, September 30, during a reception marking the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center. The event brought together senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and friends of China.
“We put people first and spare no effort to fulfill their aspirations for a better life. Over the past forty years of reform and opening up, nearly 800 million people in China have been lifted out of poverty, achieving what generations had dreamed of,” Ambassador Liu stated.
He further highlighted that China has built the world’s largest education, healthcare, and social security systems, which have significantly enhanced citizens’ sense of security, happiness, and well-being. He credited these achievements to the leadership of the Communist Party of China and the collective efforts of the Chinese people, who transformed the nation from poverty to a moderately prosperous society.
The Ambassador added that China continues to uphold independence and self-reliance, following the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics based on its own realities. This, he said, has enabled the country to achieve two major milestones: rapid economic growth and long-term social stability. Today, he noted, China is advancing toward national rejuvenation through modernisation.
Representing the Gambian government, Interior Minister Abdoulie Sanyang praised the strong bilateral ties, announcing that The Gambia and China are working on a three-year (2025–2027) cooperation framework covering ten priority projects under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
These include the establishment of a Luban Workshop at the University of Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology (USET), a 200 million Yuan grant to the Ministries of Agriculture and Petroleum, Energy and Mines, and protocols allowing the export of Gambian shelled peanuts and cashew nuts to China.
Minister Sanyang also highlighted China’s continued support in infrastructure development, economic assistance, skills training, and health cooperation. Notable examples include the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center, China’s backing for The Gambia’s hosting of the OIC Summit, and the ongoing medical partnership between Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University and the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, which is strengthening healthcare delivery in several disciplines.
