Gambia Committed to Fight HIV/AIDS, Poverty - President Jammeh

Continuing his working visit to Venezuela, President Yahya Jammeh, said that recent history would show that positive strides have been achieved since President Hugo Chavez visited The Gambia last July to address the African Union Summit. “This visit allowed for the exploration of possibilities for cooperation in various sectors of development,” President Jammeh said. The President noted that due to a number of both internal and external factors, Africa in general and The Gambia in particular are faced with the daunting challenges of attaining food self-sufficiency, eradicating poverty and finding a cure for the HIV/AIDS pandemic that, he posited, is decimating the young people of the continent.

President Jammeh made these remarks during the extraordinary session of the Venezuelan Parliament. The Gambian leader said the negative impact of this scourge on the population and on development session. The Gambian leader said the negative impact of this scourge on the population and on development poses a threat to our economic and human survival as well as our ability to compete equally with other nations in the global market. “Even though Africa is rich in natural and human resources, yet we qualify as the poorest of the poor. African countries must commit themselves individually and collectively to changing that stereotypical image for the dignity, respect, development and well-being of our people,” President Jammeh asserted.

The president further stressed that living conditions must change, adding “We owe it to the people that mandated us to address their needs and aspirations.” The president disclosed that to that end The Gambia has decided to join forces with like-minded and friendly nations such as the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, to work together to uplift the people from what he termed the shackles of under development. “With this in mind,” President Jammeh continued, “The Gambia’s vision 2020 and strategic plan to turn my country into the Silicon Valley of African is an attempt on the part of government to bring positive change and development to the doorsteps of our people.” He said the total development that he aspires for could not be achieved without having in place an effective and long-term infrastructure and energy supplies necessary to boost rapid development, especially in the industrial sector.

“Other key sectors where we hope to develop strong cooperation linkages include agriculture, health, culture, economy, education, military, social, as well as other areas that the two governments may deem relevant. “Indeed, the opportunities for collaboration are varied and many,” the president observed.

Talking on the cooperation between Venezuela and The Gambia, President Jammeh affirmed that his government attaches great importance on the partnership, enthusing that it would eventually bear fruits for the economic empowerment of the two peoples. The Gambian leader said that his government has realised the importance and the need to focus more on South-South cooperation, given the fact that genuine friendship and mutual respect characterises such cooperation.

President Jammeh acknowledged that Venezuela’s development path is a shining example for The Gambia. “We stand ready to draw from its positive experiences. As a true African and a believer in the culture of sharing, the Gambia will share with Venezuela, our achievements in the area of health, specifically as they relate to our recent breakthrough in the HIV/AIDS treatment as well as other diseases,” President Jammeh asserted.

He concluded by expressing gratitude to the government and the people of Venezuela for making his working visit and delegation a tremendous success, saying: “May the ‘people’s power’ and this august body continue to reign supreme!”