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On 10 June, H.E. Ambassador Ma Jianchun called on H.E. President Adama Barrow at the State House. Hon. Foreign Minister Dr. Mamadou Tangara and Secretary General Nuha Touray were also present at the meeting.
Amb. Ma conveyed greetings from Chinese President Xi Jinping to Presiden Barrow, and briefed him on President Xi’s call at May’s World Health Assembly for international unity, cooperation, and providing greater support for Africa in the fight against COVID-19. Amb. Ma expressed appreciation to President Barrow for the tremendous efforts made by the Gambian government under his leadership in combating the pandemic and the encouraging achievements made. He reviewed the close and fruitful China-Gambia cooperation during the process, including continuous medical supplies provided to The Gambia by Chinese government and people, agricultural equipment and fertilizers offered to the Gambian government for supporting the country’s upcoming rainy season cultivation, and so on. Amb. Ma further elaborated on the progress of major bilateral cooperation programs, most prominently the URR roads and bridges that had already been completed by 60% despite challenges brought about by COVID-19. He expressed China’s readiness to continue strengthening cordial relations with The Gambia and supporting the Gambian government and people in their bid for even greater national development.
President Barrow asked to convey his regards to President Xi, and spoke highly of the strong Gambia-China relations and diverse practical cooperation. He said that China’s assistance for The Gambia in containing COVID-19 was highly appreciated, and the Gambian government would keep on working with China in defeating the pandemic. President Barrow sang praise of China’s support to The Gambia in various fields, which has significantly helped the implementation of the country’s development agenda. He specially talked on the URR infrastructure construction, indicating that the project’s completion would not only elevate The Gambia’s internal and external connectivity to a new level, but also significantly raise the Gambian people’s living standards in the long run. President Barrow reaffirmed The Gambian government’s commitment in keeping promoting the Gambia-China friendship and mutually-beneficial cooperation.