Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Mamadou Tangara, told member States of the Non-Aligned Movement on Monday in light of COVID-19, The Gambia continues to struggle with high debt burden, drastic reduction of tourism and remittances and also anticipating potential decline in agricultural activity.
He therefore called for debt relief which according to him is one of the major avenues to enable developing countries cope with the burden of COVID-19.
An official statement, made available, said the special online summit of the heads of States and Government of Non-Aligned Movement member states was convened at the initiative of His Excellency Mr. IIham Aliyev, President of Azerbaijan.
He said beside the adverse socio-economic impact COVID-19 would have on societies, there was the need for the strengthening of global health systems and multilateral institutions.
Dr. Tangara was part of 45 speakers who made statements at the summit called for concerted efforts in the fight against COVID-19.
He further expressed gratitude and appreciation for the steps taken by the IMF, World Bank, Islamic Development Bank, African Development Bank, G7, G20 and the European Union towards debt cancellation.
He maintains that: “No one is safe until when everyone is safe. We are in this together. Viruses have no respect for borders.”
Minister Tangara also informed the summit that The Gambia currently registered seventeen (17) cases of coronavirus, one death and nine treated and discharged.
He revealed to the summit that The Gambia has taken the following measures to fight coronavirus pandemic:
The Non-Aligned Movement member states adopted a declaration which is the establishment of the Non-Aligned Movement Taskforce.
Members agreed that the taskforce will work-out a database that will include the basic humanitarian, medical needs and requirements of NAM member states, which will be submitted by the Chairman to all donor countries, International Humanitarian Organisations, Transnational Private Entities implementing social responsibility projects and others for possible support and assistance.
