By Fatou Krubally
The Gambia on Friday reaffirmed its commitment to peace, dialogue, and partnership-driven diplomacy during a high-level stakeholders’ diplomatic event in Bijilo. The gathering brought together members of the diplomatic corps, senior government officials, development partners, and other key stakeholders.
Held at the Coco Ocean Resort under the theme “Unity in Purpose, Strength in Partnership: Building Bridges of Cooperation for a Better Tomorrow,” the event provided a platform to review the country’s diplomatic achievements in 2025 and set priorities for the year ahead.
Addressing participants, President Adama Barrow emphasized that his government remains anchored in peaceful engagement and constructive relations with the international community. He highlighted The Gambia’s active participation in ECOWAS, the African Union, the United Nations, and other international fora, saying it strengthens the country’s ability to promote collective solutions to global challenges.
“Our diplomacy continues to support national development, protect the interests of our citizens, and promote stability in the region and beyond,” President Barrow said. He also commended the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for its outreach to Gambians in the diaspora, describing their contributions as vital to national development and the country’s global image.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, Sering Modou Njie, described the event as an opportunity for appreciation, accountability, and renewed partnership. He highlighted key diplomatic milestones in 2025, including bilateral and multilateral engagements, participation in major international fora, and progress in peacebuilding, governance, migration, and diaspora relations.
Njie also noted The Gambia’s role in global peace and security, its re-election to the UN Human Rights Council and the African Union Peace and Security Council, and strengthened cooperation with partners across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. He said these engagements have yielded tangible benefits in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, capacity building, and scholarships.
Ambassador Louis Domingo, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, praised The Gambia’s democratic progress, reconciliation efforts, and infrastructure development. He reaffirmed the diplomatic community’s commitment to support national development priorities, emphasizing that The Gambia’s success is shared regionally and internationally.
Permanent Secretary Fatou Kinneh Jobe described the event as an inaugural, inclusive platform designed to institutionalize regular dialogue between the ministry and stakeholders. She underscored that modern diplomacy must be collaborative, results-oriented, and anchored in partnerships that deliver concrete benefits to citizens.
The event concluded with a dinner and an appreciation segment recognizing partners for their continued cooperation.
