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The Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, His Excellency Dr. Mamadou Tangara, Wednesday, 11th June 2025, participated in the Forum on China Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Ministerial Coordinators Meeting on the Implementation of the 2024 FOCAC Summit Outcomes. The meeting aimed to accelerate the implementation of the outcomes of the 2024 FOCAC Beijing Summit (Beijing Action Plan 2025-2028 including the following Ten Partnership Actions) : mutual learning among civilizations, trade prosperity, industrial change cooperation., connectivity, development cooperation, health, agriculture and livelihoods, people-to-people and cultural exchanges, green development, and common security. The core objectives of the ten partnership actions include enhancing economic collaboration, promoting technological exchange, and supporting Africa’s developmental agenda, particularly in addressing the continent’s unique challenges. In his opening remarks, H.E. Dr. Tangara extended warm and fraternal greetings from H.E. Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of The Gambia to H.E. Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China. He expressed gratitude to H.E. Wang Yi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, and the Government of the People’s Republic of China for the hospitality and for the various bilateral assistance to The Gambia over the years. Hon. Tangara further congratulated China and Africa for reaching the important milestone of the 25th anniversary of FOCAC. Reflecting on the objectives of the meeting, Dr. Tangara recognized and appreciated the support from the Government of the People’s Republic of China in providing 360 billion Yuan of financial support to implement the ten partnership actions put forward by President Xi during the FOCAC Beijing Summit in 2024 as well as all the other financial assistance constituting China’s financial cooperation with Africa. Minister Tangara equally lauded the achievements in implementing the trade prosperity partnership action resulting in the signing of trade agreements between China and African countries including The Gambia, geared towards boosting trade between China and Africa by granting custom tariffs from zero to 100% of product categories. Consequently, Dr. Tangara witnessed the signing of the Protocol on the Exportation of Shelled Groundnut as well as the Protocol for the Exportation of Cashew to China signed by Honourable Baboucarr Ousmaila Joof, Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration & Employment on behalf of the Government of The Gambia. This was preceded by the signing of the Framework Agreement for Economic Shared Development between China and the Gambia. The signing of the agreements is a significant achievement in the trade cooperation between The Gambia and China, which allows agricultural products from The Gambia to access Chinese markets. Speaking on the partnership action for agricultural modernization, H.E Minister Tangara highlighted the importance of agricultural modernization for The Gambia adding that the plan to support Africa’s Agricultural Modernisation in line with the AU 2063 agenda, will enhance food security, local production and rural transformation. The Honourable Minister, in evaluating the partnership action for common security, acknowledged that no meaningful development could be achieved in the absence of Peace and Security and therefore, commended FOCAC for its strong focus on peace and security as a priority, showing the growing dimension of cooperation between China and Africa beyond economic cooperation in addressing critical issues such as regional stability, counterterrorism, and capacity building. In conclusion, Dr. Tangara expressed the Republic of The Gambia’s alignment with the Changsha Joint declaration and reassured the Peoples’ Republic of China of the Republic of The Gambia’s commitment to the one-China principle. In a separate engagement, Honourable Tangara also held a bilateral meeting with H.E. Chen Xiaodong, Director of the China International Development Cooperation Agency to discuss the project pool offered to the Gambia and other bilateral cooperation including the acceleration of the implementation of the Greater Banjul Transmission and Distribution Project, Agricultural Mechanization Project amongst other infrastructural development projects. Minister Joof equally held a bilateral meeting with H.E Tang Wenhong, Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Commerce of China and engaged in an in-depth exchange of views on the Joint Implementation of the partnership action on Trade prosperity between The Gambia and China. Hon. Joof expressed delight in the signing of the trade agreements and alluded that its implementation starts in earnest. He further commended China for their success story in industrialization process. He invited China’s expertise to support The Gambia’s journey to industrialization through technology transfer and knowledge sharing. For his part, H.E. Wenhong acknowledged the strong political cooperation between our two countries and recalled the meeting between President XI and President Barrow in Beijing during the 2024 FOCAC Summit in which the bilateral cooperation between Gambia and China were discussed at the highest level. He also thanked Minister Joof for proposing the bilateral meeting and pledged China’s support to The Gambia’s quest for industrialisation. During a reception hosted by H.E. Wang Yi in honour of the delegates, Minister Tangara engaged in a side discussion with his counterpart on strengthening bilateral relations with China. H.E. Massaneh N Kinteh, the Ambassador of the Embassy of the Republic of The Gambia in Beijing, actively participated in all the events.

The Republic of The Gambia is pleased to announce the formal establishment of diplomatic relations with Grenada, marking a significant milestone in the spirit of international cooperation, solidarity and mutual respect between our two nations. As fellow small states navigating a dynamic and evolving global landscape, The Gambia and Grenada are bound by shared values of unity, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to sustainable development and inclusive growth. This accord not only affirms our mutual desire to strengthen bilateral ties but also paves the way for constructive collaboration across various sectors of common interest, including education, climate action, tourism, agriculture, and trade. We envision a partnership rooted in people-to-people engagement, policy dialogue and the exchange of best practices that reflect our unique strengths and aspirations. The Government of The Gambia looks forward to working closely with the Government of Grenada to deepen this relationship in the years ahead, and to advance shared objectives on multilateral platforms in pursuit of peace, prosperity, and the well-being of our peoples. His Excellency, Mr Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of the Gambia and Hon Dickon Mitchell Prime Minister of Grenada are both eager to work closely on areas of mutual interest for the benefit of the two nations.

The Gambia’s transformative peace-building efforts took center stage at the United Nations headquarters as Foreign Minister Dr. Mamadou Tangara delivered a keynote address during the UN Peace-building Commission’s annual session commemorating its 20th anniversary. Invited in recognition of The Gambia’s peaceful transition and sustained progress, Dr. Tangara joined an ambassadorial-level panel titled “Lessons Learned from Peace-building Success Stories”, sharing insights from the country’s nationally-driven efforts following two decades of authoritarian rule. Hosted in the ECOSOC Chamber on 19th June 2025, the high-level session brought together UN member states, senior diplomats, and global peace-building actors to reflect on best practices for countries emerging from conflict. This year’s theme carried added significance amid a broader review of UN peace-building architecture and increasing concerns over fragility and democratic backsliding. In her official invitation, PBC Chair and German UN Ambassador Antje Leendertse lauded The Gambia’s experience as “invaluable,” underscoring the importance of homegrown strategies. “Countries that have navigated the challenging path from conflict to peace are able to offer crucial insights,” she noted. During his address, Minister Tangara highlighted the pivotal role of national ownership, inclusive dialogue, and institutional reform in The Gambia’s transition. He emphasized milestones such as the establishment of the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC), security sector and judicial reforms, and the creation of the National Human Rights Commission. These efforts, he stressed, were aimed at ensuring justice, strengthening the rule of law, and restoring public trust in governance. “Peace cannot be imported,” Tangara said. “It must be cultivated from within nurtured by the people, for the people.” He commended the UN Peace-building Commission for its timely and decisive support during The Gambia’s critical political transition following the 2017 impasse, acknowledging that coordinated multilateral assistance was instrumental in facilitating inclusive governance, strengthening public institutions, and advancing transitional justice. FM Tangara also announced recent progress in justice and accountability, including the establishment of the Special Accountability Mechanism and the passage of the Victims Reparation Act. He confirmed The Gambia’s intent to establish a hybrid court, with ECOWAS support, to adjudicate crimes committed between 1994 and 2017. These steps, he said, reflect the country’s commitment to the principle of “Never Again” and to building a durable culture of human rights and accountability. As one of the few countries in recent years to achieve a peaceful and democratic transition, The Gambia’s story served as both inspiration and blueprint during the session reinforcing the importance of national resilience, international solidarity, and sustained engagement in the pursuit of peace. Established in 2005, the UN Peace-building Commission supports conflict-affected countries through international cooperation, policy dialogue, and resource mobilization.

The 51st Session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers convened on 21st–22nd June 2025 in Istanbul, Türkiye, under the chairmanship of H.E. Dr. Hakan Fidan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye. The high-level gathering, hosted in the historic city of Istanbul, was inaugurated with an address by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, underscoring Türkiye’s leadership in the Muslim world. Among the distinguished delegates was H.E. Dr. Mamadou Tangara, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, who represented The Gambia and delivered a powerful statement emphasizing the urgent need for unified Islamic action in the face of ongoing global challenges. In his speech, Minister Tangara strongly condemned the recent Israeli attacks on Iran, framing them as deliberate attempts to distract from the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. He highlighted alarming reports of famine affecting nearly 290,000 children in the Gaza Strip, calling the situation “genocidal” due to the ongoing blockade by Israeli forces. “The Gambia reiterates its unwavering support for the Palestinian people and their legitimate rights,” said Dr. Tangara. He emphasized the importance of international law and moral responsibility, urging the global community to compel Israel to respect peace processes and cease violations of Palestinian rights. He also supported the adoption of a declaration by the Council to condemn Israel’s assaults and prevent further regional destabilization. Minister Tangara cautioned against military escalation, urging the OIC and the international community to resist being drawn into conflict through Israeli provocations. He reiterated that diplomacy remains the only sustainable route to peace in the Middle East and that any response must not sabotage the long-standing objective of achieving a Two-State Solution with East Jerusalem (Al-Quds Al-Shareef) as the capital of a sovereign Palestinian state. Reaffirming The Gambia’s commitment to justice, Dr. Tangara updated delegates on the ICJ case against Myanmar concerning the Rohingya genocide. He called for continued support from OIC member states to cover legal expenses and praised Kuwait’s additional pledge of $100,000 to the OIC Special Account for the case. In his capacity as Chair of the Ad Hoc Ministerial Committee on the Rohingyas, Dr. Tangara announced a meeting on the margins of the session to mobilize further support and solidarity for the persecuted minority. Dr. Tangara praised the session’s theme, “The OIC in a Transforming World”, describing it as timely and reflective of the urgent need to reform and revitalize the Organization. He reiterated The Gambia’s full alignment with OIC reform initiatives aimed at enhancing the organization’s operational effectiveness, financial transparency, and global relevance. Linking the current session to the outcomes of the 15th Islamic Summit Conference held in Banjul in May 2024, Dr. Tangara reaffirmed The Gambia’s dedication to the reform agenda, advocating for accelerated consultations and institutional renewal to better serve the Muslim Ummah in a rapidly evolving global landscape. In conclusion, Minister Tangara extended profound appreciation to the government and people of Türkiye for their hospitality and leadership. He congratulated Türkiye on assuming the chairmanship of the Council and expressed The Gambia’s strong support for Iraq’s proposal to host the 52nd Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers. “As we deliberate on pressing global issues, let us remain committed to collective action, solidarity, and diplomacy principles that are the bedrock of our shared Islamic values,” he concluded.

The Permanent Mission of the Republic of The Gambia to the United Nations is pleased to announce the election of Ambassador Lamin B. Dibba Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Gambia to the United Nations, as Chair of the Second Committee (Economic and Financial) of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, held at United Nations Headquarters in New York on June 2nd 2025. The election of Ambassador Dibba came at a crucial stage with the United Nations Commemorating its 80th Anniversary this year presenting a unique opportunity for The Gambia to have an indelible mark on the issues that affect the growth trajectory of the United Nations .   Ambassador Dibba was elected by acclamation during the formal meeting of the Second Committee, following the General Assembly’s plenary session that confirmed the Bureaus of its six Main Committees. His election reflects the confidence and trust of the international community in his diplomatic acumen and commitment to multilateralism and sustainable development.   The election also   demonstrates The Gambia’s Commitment to global critical matters, effective for the requisite decision-making on global development, financial and policy alignment. Guided by embracing global partnership to respond to challenges, the election to the 2nd Committee presents unprecedented history for The Gambia and the African continent to delve into global developmental challenges, creating bridges for a greater understanding of the imperative of strengthening multilateral order, international financing for sustainable development, external debt restructuring and the international trade and development initiatives.   As Chair of the 2nd Committee for the 80th Session of the General Assembly and in the spirit of equitable geographical representation, Ambassador Dibba is elected alongside the Vice Chairs from Poland, Peru and Finland with Iran as the Rapporteur.   Ambassador Dibba’s election also marks a significant opportunity for African representation in key deliberative processes concerning global economic governance.The key message for The Gambia in this process is to engage with policymakers and donors to re-conceptualize the current donorship structures as well as development partnerships, and to continuously work to strengthen global efforts to ensure adequate, predictable and effective financing for  sustainable development   .     The Second Committee is one of the six Main Committees of the General Assembly and deals with global economic and financial matters. Its work spans a broad range of issues including macroeconomic policy questions, financing for development, sustainable development, eradication of poverty, globalization and interdependence, operational activities for development, and information and communication technologies for development. The Committee also considers the special needs of groups of countries in vulnerable situations, including Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).   The Committee plays a pivotal role in shaping global economic policies and coordinating development efforts, particularly in advancing the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It provides a platform for Member States to address systemic issues in the international economic system, explore innovative solutions to development challenges, and foster international cooperation to build resilient, inclusive, and sustainable economies.   This is a moment of pride for The Gambia and a testament to the country’s growing leadership within the multilateral system. The Permanent Mission extends its sincere appreciation to all Member States and stakeholders for their support and looks forward to a successful and productive session under Ambassador Dibba’s leadership. The Permanent Mission would like to thank The Ministry of Foreign Affairs International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad  for the continued guidance and support at all times.

The Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, His Excellency Dr. Mamadou Tangara, on Monday, 28th April 2025, presided over the opening of a two-day Validation Workshop for the revised 2012 Foreign Service Regulations (FSR) at Prime Atlantic Hotel in Banjul. The workshop brought together senior government officials, Ambassadors and staff of The Gambia’s diplomatic missions who participated virtually alongside other key stakeholders to review and validate the revised FSR, marking a critical step toward strengthening professionalism, governance, and institutional efficiency within The Gambia’s Foreign Service. In his opening remarks, Honourable Minister Dr. Tangara described the Foreign Service as a “unique, specialised, and key pillar in any country’s governance system,” underscoring its role as the critical link between The Gambia and the outside world. He emphasised the need to reform the service through robust frameworks that respond to 21st-century diplomatic demands and challenges. The Minister also announced the Ministry’s intention to follow up the regulations with a comprehensive Foreign Service Bill and a codified Foreign Policy document. Delivering a keynote address, the Secretary to Cabinet and Head of the Civil Service, Mr. Alieu Njie, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to modernising the public service, noting that “the Foreign Service is the frontline of The Gambia’s international engagement.” He described the revised regulations as a “fundamental instrument guiding the administration, management, and effective functioning of the Foreign Service,” and emphasised their complementarity with existing civil service frameworks such as the Civil Service Act, General Orders, and Financial Instructions. Mr. Njie called on all stakeholders to critically assess the provisions to ensure they are realistic, enforceable, and fit-for-purpose. “The effectiveness of the Regulations will ultimately depend not only on their content but on their implementation and adherence,” he stated, highlighting the shared responsibility of all involved in the foreign service architecture. The event opened with welcoming remarks from Permanent Secretary I, Ambassador Lang Yabou of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who also moderated the technical review sessions. Permanent Secretary II, Ms. Fatou Kinneh Jobe, led the detailed presentation of the revised draft regulations, outlining key updates and the rationale behind the proposed reforms. Participants engaged in a joint review session, offering feedbacks section by section. A rapporteur later presented the key conclusions and recommendations, which were subsequently validated by consensus. The session concluded on Wednesday, 30th April 2025, with the collective endorsement of the revised regulations as a foundational framework for enhancing the efficiency and professionalism of The Gambia’s Foreign Service. In his closing remarks, Honourable Minister Dr. Tangara commended the technical teams and all stakeholders for their dedication, and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to implementing the validated document in line with the country’s foreign policy priorities.

The Honorable Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, His Excellency Dr. Mamadou Tangara, on Wednesday 30th April, 2025 received copies of the Letters of Credence of Her Excellency Mrs. Carmelina Ramírez Rodríguez, the newly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to the Republic of The Gambia. Welcoming Ambassador Ramírez Rodríguez to Banjul, Foreign Minister Tangara congratulated her on her appointment and expressed optimism that her tenure will further strengthen the longstanding and cordial relations between The Gambia and Cuba. He commended the Government of Cuba for its historic cooperation, especially in the health and education sectors, and reaffirmed The Gambia’s commitment to deepening bilateral ties. In her remarks, Ambassador Ramírez Rodríguez conveyed warm fraternal greetings from the Government and the people of Cuba and emphasized her country’s desire to continue supporting The Gambia’s development aspirations. She highlighted the long history of solidarity between the two nations and expressed her readiness to work closely with Gambian authorities to expand cooperation in mutually beneficial areas.

𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐉𝐔𝐋, 𝟒𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥: The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, Ambassador Lang Yabou, on Thursday, 3rd April 2025, signed a Letter of Understanding (LOU) on behalf of the Government of The Gambia with the World Food Programme (WFP). The signing ceremony, held in Banjul, was officiated by Ambassador Lang Yabou and the WFP Country Director, Ms. Mirande Sende. This agreement reaffirms the strong partnership between The Gambia and WFP in advancing food security, nutrition, and resilience-building efforts in line with the Country Strategic Plan (2024–2028), at an estimated value of USD 95,226,668. The two sides highlighted the significant benefits and achievements registered by the long-standing partnership between the Government of The Gambia and the World Food Programme—especially in the areas of the school feeding programme, support to smallholder farmers, nutrition support for vulnerable people, and capacity-strengthening initiatives. Permanent Secretary Ambassador Yabou reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to fostering strategic partnerships with international organisations and other partners to enhance the well-being of Gambians and ensure sustainable development.

𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐉𝐔𝐋, 𝟐𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad informs the public that His Excellency Dr. Mamadou Tangara, Minister of Foreign Affairs, recently undertook an official visit to the Islamic Republic of Mauritania as a Special Envoy of His Excellency Mr. Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of The Gambia. During his visit, Minister Tangara delivered a special message to His Excellency Mr. Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, reaffirming the strong and historic ties of friendship and cooperation between the two nations. Discussions focused on the well-being of Gambians residing in Mauritania, as well as broader issues of bilateral and multilateral cooperation. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening diplomatic ties and ensuring the welfare of Gambians in Mauritania. The visit concluded on a positive note, with an agreement to maintain open communication and to convene a ministerial joint commission to follow up on agreed measures. END