The Japanese government has donated 32 tons of rice to the Gambia government, as part of the two countries’ framework agreement on food aid.

Speaking on Wednesday at the presentation ceremony held at State House in Banjul, Hisanobu Hasama, the Japanese Charge d’affaires, said the donation was meant to complement the effort of the Gambia government in ensuring food security and satisfying the basic needs of the Gambian people.

“The Japanese government is aware of the importance of food self-sufficiency for the socio-economic development of any country and intends to help The Gambia to achieve its goals in the harmonious development of the country,” he said.
"The donation, he went on, “ is in line with the framework agreement on food aid which was signed in The Gambia last year”.
“Our two governments signed two agreements on food aid and assistance for under-privileged farmers at a total amount of 360 million Yen, nearly D79 million,” he noted, saying that it was a further testimony of his government’s determination to contribute to the effort of The Gambia in achieving sustainable economic development.

Receiving the items on behalf of President Jammeh, Vice President Ajaratou Isatou Njie-Saidy said the cooperation that exists between the two countries “is a step in the right direction”.
“We are really privileged to have this cooperation with Japan. I would like to thank the Japanese government for their timely donation and we hope someday, we would also be donating to other countries as we are also developing day by day,” she added.

For his part, the Secretary of State for Agriculture, Kanja Sanneh, said his department would make sure that the rice “reaches” the targeted beneficiaries.