By: Isatou Sarr
The Gambia has called for strengthened economic cooperation with South Korea in trade, investment, infrastructure, agriculture, technology and digital transformation, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad.
The appeal was made at the 2026 Korea–Africa Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held in Seoul, underway from 31 May to 2 June, where Foreign Affairs Minister Sering Modou Njie led the Gambian delegation.
The meeting brought together foreign ministers and senior officials from African countries, the African Union and the Government of South Korea to review progress since the 2024 Korea–Africa Summit and discuss ways of enhancing cooperation for sustainable growth and shared prosperity, the ministry said.
The Gambian delegation included Permanent Secretary II at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Fatou Kinneh Jobe, Ambassador Masanneh N. Kinteh and other senior officials.
At a senior officials’ meeting held ahead of the ministerial session, Jobe reaffirmed The Gambia’s commitment to the Korea–Africa partnership and called for the translation of agreed commitments into tangible results. She also stressed the need for effective monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to support implementation of joint initiatives.
Addressing the ministerial session on the theme “Strengthening Economic Cooperation – Promoting Shared Prosperity and Sustainable Growth,” Njie highlighted cooperation in infrastructure development, technology transfer, agricultural modernisation, energy, digital transformation and human capital development.
He said enhanced cooperation in these sectors would contribute to job creation, strengthen economic resilience and support sustainable development across Africa.
The ministry said Njie also reaffirmed The Gambia’s support for the 2026 Korea–Africa Joint Statement and commended South Korea’s support in areas including food security, technical and vocational education, innovation and governance reforms.
He welcomed a memorandum of understanding signed between The Gambia and the Korea-Africa Foundation, describing it as a step towards expanding practical cooperation and people-to-people exchanges.
The meeting ended with the adoption of the 2026 Korea–Africa Foreign Ministers’ Joint Statement, reaffirming commitments to cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure, education, digital transformation, food security, climate action, health, peace and security.
The ministry said The Gambia’s participation reflects its commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with South Korea and advancing partnerships aimed at national development and economic transformation.