The relationship that exists between the Gambia and the Republic of China on Taiwan has gain yet another big boost with recent visit of the Taiwanese Foreign Minister Francisco H.L Ou.

Meanwhile, with all the places he visited on Saturday and even after meeting president Jammeh on Friday, the Taiwanese envoy reaffirmed his country’s resolve in maintaining and strengthening bilateral ties with The Gambia. The Taiwanese Foreign Minister accompanied by Ambassador Richard Shih on Saturday visited RVTH, SiffoeSeniorSchool and Banjulunding women garden.

At RVTH Minister Ou and delegation were received by the Secretary of State for Health and Social Welfare Dr.Malick Njie. He was taken on a conducted tour of the hospital before a brief meeting.

Speaking on the occasion Minister Ou applauded the staff of the hospital for their good work and encouraged them to keep up the good work.

Dr. Malick Njie for his part thanked the government of Taiwan for their continue support to the socio-economic development of The Gambia particularly to the health sector. Dr.Mariatou Jallow Chief Medical Director of the hospital chaired the occasion and occurred similar sentiments.

From RVTH Minister Ou and entourage proceeded to SiffoeSeniorSecondary School. There Taiwanese minister said “education is vital not only for individual development but for development of society and the nation as a whole”. He said that Taiwan like The Gambia have limited natural resources but developed her human resource base where education plays a key role. This he said was made attainable through the joint efforts of the people and government of Taiwan thus makes the country what its today. He expressed his country’s pleasure in building the Siffoe school, supporting PEGEP, and offering scholarships to Gambian students among others.

He also acknowledged the continue support of the Gambia in championing the cause of Taiwan at the international arena.

Mrs.Fatou Lamin Faye, Secretary of State for Basic and secondary Education thanked the government and people of Taiwan for building the Siffoe school. She revealed that in 2005 ROC has provided an estimated 2.8 million dollars for construction of Siffoe and Maryok Senior schools. The schools she said have made access to secondary education to many students in Western Region.

After a conducted tour of the facilities in the school, Minister Ou donated $1000.00 to the school to equip their science lab and library.  A student head, Salima Minteh described the day as the most important day in the history of the school.