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𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐉𝐔𝐋, 𝟏𝟏𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔: A high-level delegation from the Republic of The Gambia, led by the Chief of Staff, at the Office of the President, Hon. Mr. Alieu Loum, and comprising the Permanent Secretary II of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, Ms. Fatou Kinneh Jobe, together with other senior government officials, concluded an official working visit to the People’s Republic of China last week. The visit, which coincided with the 10th anniversary of the resumption of diplomatic relations between the two countries, underscored the shared commitment to further strengthening the longstanding partnership and advancing mutually beneficial cooperation. During the visit, the delegation held strategic consultations with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, focusing on deepening bilateral relations and advancing a comprehensive, results-oriented partnership aligned with The Gambia’s Recovery-Focused National Development Plan (2023–2027) and the outcomes of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). The discussions included the proposed establishment of a Foreign Service Academy of The Gambia, aimed at strengthening diplomatic capacity and enhancing institutional effectiveness. The two sides also discussed several priority areas and explored opportunities to expand scholarships, training programmes, and people-to-people exchanges within the framework of FOCAC 2026. The delegation met with H.E. Miao Deyu, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, where both sides reaffirmed the strong and dynamic partnership between the two countries. The Gambian delegation conveyed warm greetings from H.E. President Adama Barrow to H.E. President Xi Jinping and expressed deep appreciation for China’s continued support to The Gambia’s development efforts. Discussions reviewed cooperation under key frameworks, including FOCAC, the Belt and Road Initiative, and the Global Development Initiative, with emphasis on strengthening institutional capacity, advancing priority projects, and expanding collaboration in emerging sectors. In a separate engagement, the delegation met with Mr. Liu Junfeng, Vice Chairman of China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), where discussions focused on enhancing development cooperation and improving project implementation. The Gambian side expressed appreciation for China’s grant assistance and concessional support, including the “small and smart projects” initiative, and presented proposals in several priority areas. Both sides also reviewed ongoing and planned projects, particularly in the energy sector, emphasizing the importance of timely implementation, effective coordination, and measurable impact. As part of efforts to strengthen institutional capacity, the delegation visited the China Foreign Affairs University, where they were received by Ambassador Wang Shihting, Head of the University, where discussions centered on building partnerships to support the establishment of the proposed Foreign Service Academy. The engagement further highlighted opportunities under FOCAC to enhance professional training and knowledge exchange. During the visit, the delegation held an engagement at the Embassy of the Republic of The Gambia in Beijing, where they were received by H.E. Ambassador Masanneh Kinteh and his staff. The Embassy provided a comprehensive briefing on its priority areas, achievements, and ongoing initiatives, highlighting its role in promoting diplomatic, economic, and development cooperation between the two countries. The Government of the Republic of The Gambia reaffirms its strong commitment to further strengthening its strategic partnership with the People’s Republic of China. This milestone visit, marking ten years of renewed diplomatic relations, provides a timely opportunity to consolidate existing gains, advance priority initiatives and explore new avenues of cooperation in energy, trade, digital innovation, and human capital development. The Gambia remains steadfast in its adherence to the One China Principle and continues to support China in multilateral fora. Both countries look forward to translating their shared commitments into tangible, sustainable outcomes that will further enhance development and prosperity for their peoples.        

𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐉𝐔𝐋, 𝟗𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Bakary Dena Sonko as African Youth Ambassador for Peace (AYAP), to the 4th Cohort, representing the West African Region from 1st April 2026 to 31st March 2028. This prestigious appointment, endorsed by the African Union Peace and Security Council, recognises Mr. Sonko’s leadership, commitment and dedication to advancing peace, security and youth engagement across the African continent. In this role, Mr. Sonko will work with the African Union and other stakeholders to advance the Youth, Peace and Security agenda across West Africa. His responsibilities will include: ▪️Advocating for the promotion and protection of the rights of young people within the region; ▪️Raising awareness of the African Union Continental Framework on Youth, Peace and Security (CFYPS) and its 10-Year Implementation Plan; ▪️Supporting AU Member States in coordinating the Youth for Peace Programme and facilitating the development and implementation of National Action Plans; ▪️Implementing regional youth-focused initiatives aligned with the five priority areas of the CFYPS; and ▪️Representing the AU Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security in meetings, trainings and workshops, when required. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses its full confidence in Mr. Sonko’s ability to effectively deliver this mandate and contribute meaningfully to advancing the Youth, Peace and Security agenda across the West African region. This appointment is a source of pride for The Gambia and reflects the country’s continued contribution to peace-building and youth leadership on the African continent. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs extends its sincere congratulations to Mr. Sonko and wishes him success in this important role. 𝐄𝐍𝐃.

The President of the Republic of The Gambia, His Excellency Adama Barrow, held a substantive telephone conversation today, 8th April 2026, with the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, His Excellency Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. During the cordial and productive exchange, the two leaders discussed a range of bilateral issues of mutual interest, reaffirming their shared commitment to further promote and enhance the longstanding relations between The Gambia and Egypt. They underscored the importance of strengthening cooperation and collaboration across various sectors, including trade, investment, education, and capacity building, for the mutual benefit of their peoples. The two Heads of State also exchanged views on recent developments in the Middle East. In this regard, President Barrow, in his capacity as Chair of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), highlighted his ongoing engagements with leaders in the region aimed at fostering peace and stability. He reiterated The Gambia’s principled position that dialogue and diplomacy remain the most effective and sustainable means of resolving conflicts, emphasizing the need to avoid military confrontation. President Barrow commended President El-Sisi for his continued efforts in mediating and promoting peaceful solutions to the ongoing conflict, expressing appreciation for Egypt’s constructive role in advancing regional stability. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining close consultations and working together on issues of regional and international concern.

𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐉𝐔𝐋, 𝟕𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓: The Republic of The Gambia and the Republic of Azerbaijan have successfully commenced the First Round of Political Consultations at the Coco Ocean Hotel and Resort in Bijilo, marking a significant milestone in the strengthening of bilateral relations between the two countries. The consultations were co-chaired by Ambassador Lang Yabou, Permanent Secretary I and Head of the Diplomatic Service at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad of The Gambia, and H.E. Mr. Yalchin Rafiyev, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan. In his opening remarks, Ambassador Yabou welcomed the Azerbaijani delegation to The Gambia, describing the consultations as a historic step in deepening cooperation between the two nations. He highlighted that relations between The Gambia and Azerbaijan, established in 1994, have continued to grow based on shared values of mutual respect, solidarity, and South–South cooperation. He noted that the consultations would serve as a platform to explore new avenues for collaboration and further strengthen existing partnerships, particularly in areas such as education, capacity building, and human capital development, where Azerbaijan has continued to support The Gambia through scholarship programmes and technical assistance. The consultations covered a broad range of strategic areas, including: ▪️Bilateral Relations and Cooperation ▪️Economic and Trade Cooperation ▪️Investment Promotion ▪️Sectoral Cooperation ▪️Parliamentary and Multilateral Cooperation The consultations concluded with both sides expressing satisfaction with the depth and breadth of discussions and reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties. The meeting culminated in the adoption of agreed minutes and the identification of priority areas for future cooperation, with a shared commitment to translating discussions into concrete actions and measurable outcomes. Both delegations emphasized that the First Round of Political Consultations has laid a solid foundation for a more structured, dynamic, and results-oriented partnership between The Gambia and Azerbaijan.    

𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐉𝐔𝐋, 𝟕𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔: Ahead of the First Round of Political Consultations between the Republic of The Gambia and the Republic of Azerbaijan, held at the Coco Ocean Hotel and Resort, a high-level delegation from Azerbaijan paid a courtesy call on the Chief of Staff at the Office of the President, Hon. Mr. Alieu Loum, who received the delegation on behalf of His Excellency Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of The Gambia. The Azerbaijani delegation was accompanied by Ms. Fatou Kinneh Jobe, Permanent Secretary II at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, and Mr. Abdoulie Jallow, Counsellor at the Asian Affairs Directorate. The Azerbaijani delegation was led by H.E. Mr. Yalchin Rafiyev, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Other members of the delegation included: ▪️H.E. Mr. Nazim Samadov, Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Republic of The Gambia ▪️Mr. Elmaddin Mehdiyev, Head of the Middle East and Africa Directorate, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan ▪️Mr. Agil Gunashov, Counsellor, Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan. During the meeting, Ms. Fatou Kinneh Jobe, Permanent Secretary II at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad introduced the Azerbaijani delegation and highlighted the longstanding and cordial relations between The Gambia and Azerbaijan since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1994. She underscored the continued cooperation between the two countries in areas such as education, youth development and capacity building. H.E. Mr. Yalchin Rafiyev, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, conveyed the warm greetings and best wishes of H.E. Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, to H.E. President Adama Barrow and the people of The Gambia. He reaffirmed President Aliyev’s high regard for the longstanding friendship and cooperation between Azerbaijan and The Gambia and conveyed Azerbaijan’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest. He also expressed appreciation for the warm hospitality extended to the Azerbaijani delegation and conveyed Azerbaijan’s readiness to work closely with The Gambia to ensure the success of the first round of political consultations and future engagements between the two countries. Hon. Mr. Alieu Loum, Chief of Staff at the Office of the President on his part conveyed the warm greetings and best wishes of H.E. Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of The Gambia, to his brother, H.E. President Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations between The Gambia and Azerbaijan, highlighting the importance of enhanced cooperation in areas of mutual interest. Hon. Mr. Loum underscored the importance that The Gambia attaches to its partnership with Azerbaijan and expressed appreciation for Azerbaijan’s continued support, particularly in the areas of education and capacity building. He further emphasized the need to deepen cooperation in priority sectors, including trade and investment, tourism, infrastructure, higher education and capacity building, among others. During the courtesy call, both sides underscored the importance of the upcoming political consultations as a key platform for deepening diplomatic ties and exploring new avenues of cooperation across various sectors.

𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐉𝐔𝐋, 𝟐𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔: The Government of The Gambia refers to its earlier press release dated 3rd February 2026, informing Gambian nationals in Spain about the Spanish Government’s amnesty programme. As reiterated, the Government stands ready to provide necessary support for eligible Gambians to regularize their stay in Spain. In recognition of the difficulties faced by people in authenticating certificates of character in Dakar, Senegal, the Government has streamlined the process: Gambians in Spain can now submit their certificates to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad in Banjul for authentication and onward transmission to the Gambia High Commission and the Spanish Consulate General in Dakar, Senegal. The contact persons for the submission and authentication at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad are: Mr. Abubacarr Ceesay, Counsellor (3745488 / 7282250 / Whatsapp 9745488) Ms. Jainaba Secka, Protocol Officer (987 2713 / 7231695). The 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 for submission is 𝐖𝐞𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝟏𝟓𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔. Submission prior to the deadline is encouraged to ensure timely processing. The Government urges all Gambians in Spain to take advantage of this opportunity. 𝐄𝐍𝐃.

𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐉𝐔𝐋, 𝟐𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔: On the margins of the Ministerial Meeting of Global Compact for Migration (GCM) Champion Countries in Cairo, the Honourable Sering Modou Njie, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, held a bilateral meeting with the Director General of the International Organization for Migration, Ms. Amy E. Pope. During the meeting, Director General Pope commended The Gambia for its outstanding leadership and commitment as a GCM Champion Country, recognizing the nation’s progress in advancing global standards of migration governance and management. She reaffirmed IOM’s continued dedication to supporting The Gambia in areas including voluntary return and reintegration, migration policy development, diaspora engagement, and border management, emphasizing the value of their long-standing partnership. The Honourable Minister expressed sincere appreciation for IOM’s technical, operational, and financial support, noting the critical role the organization plays in advancing The Gambia’s migration priorities. He also acknowledged the exceptional work of the IOM Country Office in The Gambia, under the leadership of Sibgha Ajaz, whose guidance has strengthened programme implementation and collaboration across government and civil society stakeholders. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation and enhancing joint initiatives to ensure safe, orderly, and regular migration, while maximizing its socio-economic benefits for The Gambia. This engagement further underscores The Gambia’s continued leadership as a GCM Champion Country and its dedication to effective, humane, and evidence-based migration governance at the regional and global levels.

𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐉𝐔𝐋, 𝟐𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔: The Government of the Republic of The Gambia participated in the Ministerial Meeting of Global Compact for Migration (GCM) Champion Countries convened in Cairo on 1st April 2026. The Gambian delegation was led by the Honourable Sering Modou Njie, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad. He was accompanied by Mrs. Ndumbeh Saho, Director of the Diaspora and Migration Directorate, and H.E. Hatem Raslan, Honorary Consul of The Gambia in Egypt. The meeting brought together GCM Champion Countries to advance the implementation of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration and to further strengthen international cooperation on migration governance. Discussions focused on key priorities, including the protection of migrants and the preservation of life, the promotion of safe, orderly and regular migration pathways, and the facilitation of safe, voluntary and dignified return, as well as sustainable reintegration. During the deliberations, The Gambia highlighted its national progress in migration governance, including ongoing policy and institutional reforms, the adoption of a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, the strengthening of national coordination mechanisms, and the ongoing revision of the Diaspora Strategy. The Government also underscored efforts toward the development of a GCM National Implementation Plan aligned with national development priorities under the National Development Plan (NDP), as well as its strong collaboration with international partners. The delegation reaffirmed The Gambia’s commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of migrants and to contributing constructively to global dialogue and cooperation on migration. On the margins of the meeting, the Honourable Minister held bilateral engagements with counterparts aimed at further strengthening partnerships and cooperation in migration management and development. The participation of The Gambia in this high-level meeting underscores its continued leadership as a GCM Champion Country and its dedication to advancing effective, humane and cooperative migration governance at both regional and global levels.

𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐉𝐔𝐋, 𝟏𝐬𝐭 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad wishes to inform and advise all Gambian nationals currently residing in the Middle East to take proactive steps to evaluate their personal safety and consider voluntary departure from the region where necessary, as a result of the current security situation. While the Government of The Gambia continues to monitor the situation closely, Gambians in affected areas are strongly urged to remain vigilant, adhere to local authority guidance, and avoid circumstances that may expose them to risk. Those in vulnerable or uncertain conditions are particularly encouraged to make timely arrangements to relocate to safer environments to avoid being caught in unforeseen developments. In a similar vein, the Ministry reiterates its longstanding advisory to all Gambians living abroad to register with the nearest Gambian Embassy, High Commission, or Consulate within their country of residence. Registration enables the Government to: ▪️Maintain accurate records of Gambian nationals abroad; ▪️Provide timely assistance in emergencies or crises; ▪️Share important updates, advisories, and support services; ▪️Strengthen engagement with the diaspora community. Gambians who have not yet registered are strongly encouraged to do so at the earliest opportunity. This can be done by contacting the nearest Gambian mission or through official communication channels provided by the Ministry. The Ministry remains committed to the safety, welfare, and protection of all Gambians abroad and stands ready to provide assistance where required. For further information, please contact: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad Banjul, The Gambia – +220 3567484/ +220 7661922