By Haddy Touray
Gambian President Adama Barrow on Wednesday received outgoing Chinese Ambassador to The Gambia Liu Jin on a farewell visit following the completion of his four-year tour of duty in the country.
President Barrow thanked Ambassador Liu for his contribution to strengthening relations between The Gambia and China, highlighting several projects implemented during his tenure.
Among the projects, Barrow cited the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre, which he said has the capacity to host more than 4,000 delegates and provides modern conference facilities.
He also highlighted road and bridge projects in the Upper River Region, saying they had improved mobility and access between communities.
“These transformed mobility and access, connecting the North and South of the URR,” Barrow said.
Ambassador Liu expressed appreciation to the Gambian government and people for their hospitality and support during his tenure. He also assured the Gambian government of China’s continued support for development projects.
During his four years in The Gambia, Liu worked to strengthen bilateral relations through cooperation in various sectors, including capacity building and people-to-people exchanges.
He said the period had been marked by several milestones in bilateral relations and expressed optimism that cooperation would continue to expand under his successor.
In recognition of Liu’s contribution to The Gambia’s development, President Barrow invited him to serve as an honorary ambassador of The Gambia.
Barrow also asked the outgoing envoy to convey to Chinese President Xi Jinping The Gambia’s commitment to the strategic partnership between the two countries.
The meeting comes as The Gambia and China mark 10 years since the resumption of diplomatic relations. The two countries have since strengthened cooperation, including through the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
The partnership is expected to continue focusing on areas including agriculture, trade and people-centred development.
The meeting was attended by Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad Minister Sering Modou Njie.