President Xi Jinping commits Y200m to boost development initiatives in Gambia

Chinese President Xi Jinping has announced a commitment of 200 million Yen to The Gambia during a pivotal meeting.

The announcement was made during a meeting with the Gambian President Adama Barrow on the sidelines of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit. This financial pledge underscores China’s ongoing dedication to enhancing the developmental agenda of the Barrow administration.

Expressing his gratitude, President Barrow acknowledged China’s unwavering commitment to supporting his government’s initiatives.

“This partnership presents a golden opportunity to address global challenges such as peace and prosperity for a shared future,” he stated.

The Gambian leader also reiterated his country’s support for China’s Global Initiative and the One China policy, emphasizing a collaborative approach to tackling pressing global issues.

In recognition of China’s past contributions, President Barrow commended President Xi for the grants that facilitated the construction of vital infrastructure, including roads and bridges in the Upper River region, as well as the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre, which hosted the 15th OIC Summit.

He further expressed his appreciation for President Xi’s gesture of sending a Special Envoy to attend the recent OIC Banjul Summit, highlighting the importance of diplomatic ties.

In response, President Xi praised The Gambia for its steadfast support of China’s global initiatives and its role in the fight against global injustice. He urged President Barrow, in his capacity as Chairman of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), to enhance diplomatic efforts aimed at fostering global peace and security.

“We must strengthen support for my reunification agenda and promote human rights,” President Xi asserted, underlining the importance of collaborative international efforts.

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Beyond the financial commitment, China has pledged to construct a hospital for the State House and expressed a keen interest in advancing development in agriculture, industry, and infrastructure within

The Gambia. Additionally, the Chinese government announced that no tariffs would be imposed on Gambian goods exported to China, a move designed to boost bilateral trade relations.

In a bid to foster people-to-people connections, China has also promised assistance in various sectors, including healthcare, Chinese language education, and scholarship opportunities for Gambian students. President Xi emphasized that “strengthening connections and mutual friendships would solidify the groundwork for development in various sectors,” highlighting the strategic nature of this partnership.

Earlier in the day, President Barrow and his delegation visited the Huawei head office in Beijing, where they discussed collaborative efforts with Gambian businessman Muhammed Jah to promote development through digital technology.