Beijing, China – Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Gambian President Adama Barrow on Friday, announcing the elevation of bilateral relations to a strategic partnership. The meeting took place in Beijing ahead of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
President Xi highlighted the positive progress in China-Gambia relations in recent years, noting the strengthening mutual political trust and the advancement of pragmatic cooperation. He emphasized the importance of both nations continuing to support each other on issues concerning their core interests and major concerns.
“We have seen mutual political trust increasingly consolidating and pragmatic cooperation continuously promoted,” Xi stated. “China is willing to work with the Gambian side to promote more achievements in bilateral cooperation, aiding the Gambia’s economic growth and improving people’s livelihoods.”
President Xi affirmed China’s commitment to supporting the Gambia by continuing to send medical teams, developing Chinese language education in the West African country, and encouraging more Gambian youth to engage in exchanges in China. He also expressed readiness to deepen cooperation with the Gambia and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
President Barrow expressed his fascination with the friendly enthusiasm of the Chinese people and the beauty and prosperity of Beijing. “China always acts on its words,” he said. “I believe that China means hope and future, and only by deepening cooperation with China can the Gambia achieve national development.”
Barrow conveyed the Gambia’s willingness to be a loyal friend of China and expressed hopes to enrich the relationship between the two countries. He emphasized interest in deepening cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, and people-to-people exchanges. He also reaffirmed the Gambia’s firm adherence to the one-China policy and support for China’s position on human rights and other issues.
The elevation of ties marks a significant milestone in China-Gambia relations, promising enhanced collaboration and mutual growth as both nations look forward to the upcoming FOCAC summit.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
