The Republic of Guinea-Bissau recently celebrated its 53rd independence anniversary in Gambia, with the event attended by high-ranking officials from both countries. The ceremony was addressed by Hon. Lamin Jabbi Esq., Minister of Communications and Digital Economy of The Gambia, who represented President Adama Barrow. On behalf of the Gambian government and people, Jabbi extended warmest congratulations to General Horta Inta-A, Transitional President of Guinea-Bissau, and the people of Guinea-Bissau on this significant national occasion.
The relationship between Gambia and Guinea-Bissau is rooted in shared history, geography, culture, and family connections. The two countries have a longstanding bond that dates back to the anti-colonial resistance era. During this period, some Gambians supported and fought alongside the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC) in the struggle for independence. These historical connections have contributed to the exceptional warmth and affinity that characterize relations between the two nations today.
The Gambia and Guinea-Bissau have built a solid framework for bilateral cooperation over the years. The Joint Commission, established to review cooperation and identify new areas of partnership, has been instrumental in strengthening ties between the two countries. The Fourth Gambia-Guinea-Bissau Joint Commission, held in Bissau in June 2024, provided an opportunity to examine strategic areas of cooperation and further elevate historic and friendly ties between the two peoples.
High-level political engagements have also contributed to the momentum in bilateral relations. President Adama Barrow's State Visit to Guinea-Bissau in September 2025 provided a platform for the two governments to review the state of their relations and identify practical areas for deeper cooperation. During the visit, the two countries strengthened cooperation in trade, security, infrastructure, energy, public health, education, and public sector reform.
The two countries have also expressed a desire to promote stronger economic and commercial relations between their private sectors, including through joint procurement of essential commodities. To further enhance cooperation, it is essential to remove unnecessary barriers to trade, facilitate the movement of people and goods, encourage investment, and strengthen business-to-business linkages. There are opportunities to expand cooperation in various sectors, including agriculture, food security, fisheries, tourism, transport, health, education, energy, and digital transformation.
Security cooperation is another vital pillar of the bilateral relationship between Gambia and Guinea-Bissau. As neighboring countries, they share a common interest in maintaining peace, stability, and security in the sub-region. Cooperation between the two countries addresses cross-border and transnational security challenges, strengthens information-sharing and institutional coordination, and supports the peaceful movement of people and goods.
The Gambia welcomes the progress made in education, health, culture, and human-capital development, which remain at the center of cooperation between the two countries. The strong people-to-people ties, including the presence of a vibrant Guinea-Bissau community in Gambia and Gambians living and working in Guinea-Bissau, are an essential human dimension of the bilateral partnership. Both countries must continue to nurture these bonds through cultural exchanges, educational opportunities, youth engagement, community interaction, and greater mobility between them.
Key points
- The Gambia and Guinea-Bissau have strengthened cooperation in trade, security, infrastructure, energy, public health, education, and public sector reform.
- The two countries have expressed a desire to promote stronger economic and commercial relations between their private sectors.
- Security cooperation between Gambia and Guinea-Bissau addresses cross-border and transnational security challenges in the sub-region.
