By Yunus S Saliu
The Gambia’s Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Abdoulie Jobe, has highlighted the role of food in strengthening relations between The Gambia and China, describing culinary exchange as an important tool for promoting tourism, cultural understanding and international cooperation.
He made the remarks during China Day, organised as part of the 2026 West Africa Food Festival (WAFFEST), where members of the Chinese community, the Chinese medical team and chefs from participating countries gathered to celebrate Chinese cuisine and cultural heritage.
The event brought together senior staff of the Gambia Tourism and Hospitality Institute (GTHI), National Centre for Arts and Culture, Gambia Tourism Board, members of the Chinese community in The Gambia, representatives of the Chinese medical team, chefs attending WAFFEST, students, and other distinguished guests.
Speaking at the gathering, Minister Jobe said the celebration reinforced the longstanding relationship between The Gambia and China while extending friendship and cooperation to other participating countries.
“Food is more than nourishment. It is a bridge between cultures, a symbol of friendship and a powerful tool for promoting tourism, cultural exchange and international cooperation,” he said, referencing remarks made earlier by Chef Shaun Smith, president of the Africa Chefs Alliance (ACA).
Jobe said the event showcased the creativity, skills and talents of Chinese culinary professionals while demonstrating how food could strengthen relations between nations and communities.
He commended the organising team and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in The Gambia for supporting the initiative.
The minister also acknowledged the Embassy’s contribution to capacity-building and cultural exchange over the years, describing relations between Gambian institutions and the Chinese diplomatic mission as cordial and productive.
He expressed appreciation to the outgoing Chinese ambassador and extended best wishes to the incoming ambassador, saying The Gambia looked forward to strengthening cooperation with China.
He later whished participants an enjoyable meal.
For his part, China’s Deputy Ambassador to The Gambia, Zhao Shangsen, commended the Chinese community for its efforts to work together and integrate with local communities despite its relatively small size in the country.
He said China Day offered another opportunity for members of the community to contribute to cultural exchange and cooperation, noting that their participation in the festival included helping provide the meal enjoyed by guests.
Zhao also recognised the Chinese medical team, which serves at Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital and undertakes outreach activities in different communities.
He said the team had established a booth at the festival where visitors could learn about traditional Chinese medicine and sample Chinese medicinal soup.
The Deputy Ambassador thanked the medical team for its dedication and encouraged visitors to explore the display as part of the cultural experience.
He also praised the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, the Gambia Tourism and Hospitality Institute and the WAFFEST organising committee for their roles in making the festival possible.
Zhao said the Chinese community and medical team were pleased to contribute to the event, even in a modest way, adding that such participation helped strengthen cultural connections between China, The Gambia and other countries.
Highlighting the global reach of Chinese cuisine, he adapted a popular commercial slogan associated with Japanese automobile manufacturer Toyota, saying that wherever people travelled around the world, they were likely to find a Chinese restaurant.
However, the gathering also featured cultural performances, including singing and dancing, organised by the two Chinese community associations.
China Day formed part of WAFFEST 2026, held from October 15 to 21 under the theme “Developing Skills, Changing Lives.” The festival brought together participants from more than 30 countries to celebrate culinary heritage, promote professional exchange and explore opportunities for tourism development and regional cooperation.
The China Day celebration added an international dimension to the festival, demonstrating how cuisine and cultural activities can foster friendship, strengthen people-to-people relations, and promote mutual understanding