In what could be seen as a manifestation of the cordial relationship between The Gambia and Taiwan, the Gambian leader President Jammeh visited Taipei, Taiwan earlier this week. According reports monitored from GRTS, the Gambian leader, shortly after his arrival in Taipei on Tuesday, commenced his official engagements by meeting with the Foreign Minister of Taiwan Mr James C.F Huang.

At the meeting President Jammeh paid tribute to the Government and people of Taiwan for their continued support for development efforts in The Gambia. President Jammeh told Minister Huang that he holds the Taiwan-Gambia relationship in very high regard.

For his part, Minister Huang acknowledged The Gambia’s generous support of Taiwan in the international arena. He particularly cited the support shown for Taiwan’s admission to United Nations. He said the visit would not only give President Jammeh a chance to meet Taiwanese officials but also to interact with ordinary people of Taiwan.

President Jammeh also had an audience with a cross section of Gambian students in Taiwan, a good number of who are being sponsored by the Gambian leader.

He advised them to continue to be good ambassadors for The Gambia.

He urged them to be patriotic and ready to serve their country at the end of their study.

The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Cripin-Gray Johnson, also advised the students to work hard and join the president in his development endeavor at the end of their studies.

Mawudo Juwara, Gambian Ambassador to Taiwan, thanked the president for his concern for, and interest in, the students.

It will be recalled that since the resumption of ties between Taiwan and The Gambia some years ago, the people of both countries have continued to enjoy the fruits of the relationship. The latest visit of the Gambian leader to the Asian country will, in no small measure, help the existing relationship between the counties to flourish.