China has pledged to support The Gambia in overcoming its energy difficulties as it celebrated the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. The event was held at the International Conference Centre in Bijilo and was attended by Cabinet ministers, senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and representatives from various sectors. Chinese Ambassador to The Gambia, Liu Jin, announced Beijing's readiness to assist The Gambia in addressing its power cuts.
Ambassador Liu revealed that the Greater Banjul Area Electricity Enhancement Project, financed through a Chinese grant worth 91 million Chinese Renminbi (RMB), was recently signed. This initiative is another symbol of the strong partnership between China and The Gambia, alongside major infrastructure projects such as the China-funded International Conference Centre and the Upper River Region roads and bridges project. The project reflects a relationship that is both "people-centred and development-oriented".
This year also marks the 10th anniversary of the resumption of diplomatic relations between China and The Gambia. Reflecting on the progress, Ambassador Liu said political trust has continued to deepen through sustained high-level engagements. Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Adama Barrow have met on three occasions, leading to the elevation of bilateral relations to a strategic partnership.
China and The Gambia firmly support each other on issues concerning their respective core interests and major concerns. Practical cooperation in infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, and education has been enhanced, including the continued dispatch of medical teams and agricultural experts and expanded scholarship opportunities. Nearly 400 Gambian students have studied in China under Chinese Government Scholarships.
Hundreds of Gambians have benefited from support provided by the Embassy, and more than 1,000 Gambians from different sectors have visited China through exchange programmes. Addressing global developments, Ambassador Liu highlighted China's economic transformation and commitment to peaceful development. China's modernisation offers opportunities, not threats, to all countries.
The reception served as Ambassador Liu's final National Day celebration in The Gambia before the conclusion of his four-year diplomatic mission. He expressed his deep affection for Gambian friends and commitment to China-Gambia friendship. In an emotional moment, he said: "I will leave The Gambia, but The Gambia will never leave me".
Minister of Communication and Digital Economy Lamin Jabbi, speaking on behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, noted that the anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on China's journey since its founding. The Gambia recognizes China's growing contribution beyond its borders, particularly through South-South cooperation and the Belt and Road Initiative.
Key points
- China has pledged to support The Gambia's efforts to address its ongoing electricity challenges.
- The two countries have strengthened bilateral ties over the past decade, with cooperation in infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, and education.
- The China-Gambia relationship has been elevated to a strategic partnership, with high-level engagements and mutual support on core interests.
