United States Ambassador Laurence Socha has presented his Letter of Credence to President Adama Barrow at State House in Banjul, formally beginning his tenure as Washington’s diplomatic representative in The Gambia.
Foreign Affairs Minister Serign Modou Njie accompanied Ambassador Socha to the ceremony.
Following the presentation, the two officials discussed ways to strengthen the longstanding partnership between the United States and The Gambia, focusing on economic and commercial opportunities, regional security and the country’s continued democratic development.
As a gesture of friendship, Ambassador Socha presented President Barrow with bookends modelled after the iconic bronze lions outside the Art Institute of Chicago, in the ambassador’s hometown.
The gift symbolises the connection between Chicago and The Gambia, where lions also feature prominently on the national coat of arms.
Speaking to the press after the meeting, Ambassador Socha said he was honoured to have been appointed by U.S. President Donald Trump as the 22nd United States ambassador to The Gambia.
He expressed gratitude for the warm welcome extended to him by President Barrow, the foreign affairs minister and the Gambian people.
“The United States is safer, stronger, and more prosperous when The Gambia is safer, stronger, and more prosperous,” he said.
He added that safety, strength and prosperity for Americans and Gambians alike were among his priorities.
In a separate ceremony, President Barrow also received the letters of credence of the new ambassadors of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Türkiye at State House in Banjul, marking another step in The Gambia’s diplomatic engagement with international partners.