By: State House The Gambia

During a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the FOCAC Summit, President Adama Barrow expressed gratitude for China’s commitment to supporting his government’s development agenda. The Gambian leader also reaffirmed The Gambia’s support for China’s Global Initiative and One China policy.

President Barrow called for support in the digital economy and rural connectivity, emphasising that the partnership presents a golden opportunity to address global challenges such as peace and prosperity for a shared future.

He commended President Xi for the grants that made it possible to build roads and bridges in the Upper River and the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre. This made it possible to host the 15th OIC Summit. He further appreciated President Xi’s gesture of sending a Special Envoy to attend the OIC Banjul Summit.

Chinese President Xi Jinping commended The Gambia for its strong support of China’s global initiatives and the fight against global injustice. He also called for strengthened support for his reunification agenda and promoting human rights. President Jinping urged President Barrow, in his capacity as Chairman of the OIC, to enhance diplomacy for global peace and security.,

President Xi announced that China will support the Barrow administration in realising its development agenda, offering 200 million Yuan for agreed projects in The Gambia.

In addition, China has pledged to construct a hospital for the State House and expressed interest in developing agriculture, industry, and infrastructure. To boost trade between China and The Gambia, no tariffs will be imposed on Gambian goods exported to China. In support of people-to-people diplomacy, China has promised assistance in the areas of healthcare, Chinese language education, and scholarships.

The Chinese President stressed that strengthening connections and mutual friendships would solidify the groundwork for development in various sectors.

In an earlier engagement on Friday morning, President Adama Barrow and his delegation visited the Huawei head office in Beijing. The company is collaborating with Gambian businessman Muhammed Jah to promote development through digital technology.

Later in the evening, President Barrow travels to Harbin City.