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𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐉𝐔𝐋, 𝟐𝟔𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓: The Honorable Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Gambians Abroad, H.E. Dr. Mamadou Tangara on Monday, 24th March 2025, received a delegation from the Turkish Maarif Foundation, led by Mr. Mehmet Cangir, Africa Representative and Board Member of the Foundation. The delegation was accompanied by the Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to The Gambia, H.E. Fahri Türker Oba. Minister Tangara reaffirmed the Government of The Gambia’s commitment to enhancing partnerships in the field of education and exploring opportunities for increased collaboration between the Turkish Maarif Foundation and the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education. Both sides expressed their shared commitment to advancing educational cooperation and fostering stronger people-to-people ties between The Gambia and Türkiye.

During their meeting, both sides engaged in fruitful discussions on strengthening the long-standing ties of friendship and cooperation between The Gambia and Senegal, reaffirming their commitment to further deepening bilateral relations for the mutual benefit of both nations.

𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐉𝐔𝐋, 𝟐𝟎𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓: Today, His Excellency Dr. Mamadou Tangara, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, participated in the PSC Ministerial Session on Artificial Intelligence and Its Impact on Peace, Security, and Governance in Africa, chaired by the Kingdom of Morocco. In his statement, Minister Tangara highlighted the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) while underscoring the urgent need for responsible governance and regulation to prevent misuse, particularly in security and military domains. He emphasized that Africa must not lag in this technological evolution and called for: ✅ Legal and policy frameworks to guide AI development at regional, continental, and global levels. ✅ Public-private partnerships to leverage AI for sustainable development and security. ✅ Collaboration with governments to harness AI for conflict prevention, peace building, and post-conflict recovery. Minister Tangara reaffirmed The Gambia’s commitment to advancing AI governance to ensure it serves as a force for peace, development, and security across the continent.

𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐉𝐔𝐋, 𝟐𝟎𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓: On behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Gambians Abroad, H.E. Dr. Mamadou Tangara, the Honourable Minister of Defence, H.E. Sering Modou Njie, on Wednesday 19th March 2025 received copies of letters of credence from two Ambassadors accredited to The Gambia. First to present was H.E. Mariame Sy, High Commissioner of the Republic of Senegal to The Gambia, followed by H.E. Hassan Asgari the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran. During the presentation, Minister Njie reiterated the commitment of the Government of The Gambia to deepen the existing cordial relations with these countries.

𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐉𝐔𝐋, 𝟏𝟓 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓: The Gambia and the People’s Republic of Bangladesh have signed a Visa Exemption Agreement for diplomatic and official passport holders, marking a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral relations. During the signing ceremony, H.E. Honourable Dr. Mamadou Tangara, Minister for Foreign Affairs International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, accompanied by H.E. Mustapha Jawara, The Gambia’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh (resident in New Delhi), Mr. Shieck Omar Bittaye, Director of Asia and Oceanic Affairs, and Ms. Adama Cabality Sallah, First Secretary and Desk Officer for Bangladesh. Dr. Tangara expressed gratitude to the government and the people of Bangladesh for their warm hospitality. Dr. Tangara also acknowledged Bangladesh’s efforts in sheltering over a million Rohingya refugees and reaffirmed The Gambia’s commitment to seeking justice for the Rohingya people at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). As Chair of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), The Gambia continues to advocate for their rights and supports international efforts to ensure their safe return. Hon. Dr. Tangara further emphasized the need for sustained global pressure to find a just and lasting resolution to the crisis. Beyond the Rohingya issue, discussions also explored cooperation in Agriculture and Peacekeeping. Dr. Tangara commended Bangladesh’s advancements in Food Security and Peacekeeping Missions, expressing hope for stronger future partnerships. Speaking at the event, Bangladesh’s Home Adviser, Lt Gen (Retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, praised The Gambia’s leadership in championing the Rohingya cause and emphasized the importance of global collaboration. He also highlighted opportunities for Trade, Agriculture, and Technology cooperation between the two countries. The event concluded with both countries reaffirming their shared commitment to justice, diplomacy, and enhanced economic and strategic ties.

Banjul, 15th March 2025: In  commemoration of International Day For Combating Islamophobia, H.E. President Adama Barrow, Chairman of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation shares the messages below. “March 15th, is International Day for Combating Islamophobia. On this significant occasion, we stand united in our commitment to fostering mutual peace, respect, and understanding among all peoples and faiths. Islam is a religion of peace, compassion, and beauty. Its teachings put great emphasis on justice, mercy, and the purity of human life. The Holy Quran reminds us that, “Whoever saves one life, it is as if they have saved all of humanity” (5:32). This is a profound testament to the value Islam places on every individual, regardless of their faith or background. This year, the International Day for Combating Islamophobia falls during the blessed month of Ramadan, a time of deep spiritual renewal and reflection, when the human family as a whole promote and witness acts of kindness and solidarity. This strikes a great contrast to the misconceptions and misinterpretations that fuel Islamophobia around the world. Despite the universal values that bind us, some people face discrimination, violence, and exclusion, simply for their faith. Such acts undermine the principles of justice, freedom, and human dignity that all nations must uphold. Islamophobia divides societies, breeds hostility, and threatens the harmony we strive to build in an increasingly interconnected world. As leaders, nations, and a global community, we must stand united to take concrete steps to combat Islamophobia. We must work together to dispel stereotypes, challenge hate speech, and build bridges of understanding and harmony. Together, we must ensure that no community is marginalised because of their religion. As we observe and reflect on the significance of the Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to promoting the true essence of Islam that reflects the universal language of peace, respect, and love shared by all major faiths and cultures. Let us seize this opportunity to reaffirm our shared values and stand against bigotry and hatred. Together, we can create a world wherein everyone, regardless of their faith, can live in an environment where they are cherished and safe.”

Banjul, 3rd March 2025 – The newly appointed World Health Organization (WHO) Country Representative to The Gambia, Dr. Nathan Nsubuga Bakyaita, presented his Letters of Credence to His Excellency Dr. Mamadou Tangara, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Gambians Abroad, in a brief ceremony held in Banjul. Minister Tangara congratulated Dr. Bakyaita on his appointment and welcomed him to The Gambia. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working closely with WHO to enhance the health and well-being of Gambians. Dr. Bakyaita expressed his dedication to strengthening the partnership between WHO and the Government of The Gambia. A Ugandan national with 27 years of experience in public health, Dr. Bakyaita has served in various African countries, including Uganda, Congo (Brazzaville), Kenya, and Zambia. He holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) from Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda, and a Master’s in Public Health (MPH) from Leeds University in the United Kingdom.  

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Gambians Abroad, H.E. Dr. Mamadou Tangara, received a courtesy call from Mrs. Ellen T. Johnson and her delegation at his office in Banjul. The visit aimed to formally introduce the Commonwealth Women’s Business Association (CWBA) and provide an overview of their work and key objectives for The Gambia. Mrs. Johnson was accompanied by the Association’s Vice President, Mrs. Isatou Sanneh, and Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Aminata Marie Louise Badjan Mboob. Welcoming the delegation, Foreign Minister Tangara expressed his appreciation for their visit and commended them for their efforts in empowering Gambian women. He encouraged them to continue their valuable work toward advancing women’s economic participation and development.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Gambians Abroad, His Excellency Dr. Mamadou Tangara, participated in the 4th edition of the MD Sahara Forum held in Dakhla, Morocco, from December 6–7, 2024. Organized by Maroc Diplomatique, the two-day forum coincided with the 25th anniversary of the reign of His Majesty King Mohammed VI and the 10th anniversary of Morocco’s Southern Development Program. In his address, Minister Tangara underscored the importance of Morocco’s Royal Vision for Africa, emphasizing the need for collective action to tackle the continent’s multifaceted challenges. He commended the Kingdom of Morocco for creating a platform where African nations can collaborate, share resources, as well as human capital, and development technologies. Such collaboration, he noted, transforms policies and ideas into tangible outcomes. The Minister also highlighted the pivotal role of digitalization in international trade and addressing global challenges. He stressed that to ensure sustainable prosperity, countries must safeguard and secure information while building local capacities in digital technologies. Minister Tangara concluded by asserting that in Africa, people-to-people exchanges and intergovernmental cooperation must transcend theoretical concepts to become practical realities grounded in concrete action and shared responsibility.