The vice-president and secretary of state for Women’s Affairs touched the runway of the Banjul International Airport yesterday, after attending the inauguration of the new Taiwanese President Ma Ying-Jeou.

Dr Aja Isatou Njie-Saidy was accompanied to the Asian-Pacific island state by Dr Omar Touray, the secretary of state for Foreign Affairs, Abdou Colley, the secretary of state for Trade, Industry and Employment, amongst other senior government officials.

During the course of her week-long stay in Taiwan, the vice-president was hosted to a string of meetings, including a courtesy call on former Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian. She also visited important institutions and companies, whose operation could be of value to The Gambia’s socio-economic development.

The vice-president and her delegation were also hosted to a reception by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Taiwan, before attending the grand inauguration of President Ma in Taipei, where more than 530 foreign dignitaries graced the ceremony.