Gambia is Taiwan’s strong respectful cooperation partner in Africa’

 Ambassador Chen said that when Taiwan recalls her history of 102 years, the people never forget that the country used to be a recipient of international development aid, from 1950 to 1965. He told the gathering that using this aid during the 15 years, Taiwan was able to build up her infrastructure, reservoirs, highways and other development areas such as setting up import substitution industries and developing agricultural reviving programmes. “Ever since we have been sending agricultural missions abroad to help many friends, primarily in Africa, we understood that developmental aid is vital to countries development,” he added.

The Taiwanese ambassador described The Gambia as a peace-loving and democratic country with her people traditionally living together in peace and harmony, noting that the country is the most stable country in West Africa. 

Speaking further, Ambassador Chen said it was Dr Sun Yat-Sen, the founding father of the country, who led the revolution for 16 years and finally overthrew the Qing dynasty on the 10th of October 1911 and established the Republic of China (Taiwan), which is the first democratic republic in Asia.

 He said since 1949, after the Chinese civil war, the government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) moved to Taiwan and made the efforts for national revival and development. “Step by step, Taiwan did not only develop a strong economy but also upholds the principles of democracy, freedom, human rights and the rule of law. Taiwan has indeed developed into an advanced and democratic country,” he further stated.

Ambassador Chen commended the Gambian leader, His Excellency Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh, who, he said, is crucial to the development of The Gambia, adding that his leadership qualities and vision for The Gambia resulted in the rapid and positive progress and development of the country in agriculture, health, education, capacity building as well as vocational training and infrastructure.

He acknowledged that The Gambia as a true friend of Taiwan continues to support his country in the international arena, at the UN, UNFCC, ICAO conferences and meetings, amongst others. “Taking this opportunity, I am very much obliged to convey on behalf of the government and people of Taiwan, our profound gratitude for the staunch support of The Gambia. The country is highly commendable for her assistance in exalting international justice,” he said.

He said Taiwan cherishes her relationship with The Gambia, which is based on mutual respect, mutual support and the genuine friendship of brothers and sisters sharing common values of democracy, human rights, peace and consideration of their people. “We believe that the friendly and cooperative relations of our two countries will continue to flourish and grow from strength to strength,” he added.

Ambassador Chen also used the occasion to express profound gratitude to President Jammeh for sending a strong Gambian delegation led by the vice president and minister for Women’s Affairs, Aja Dr Isatou Njie-Saidy to attend the country’s 102nd national day reception in Taipei. 

Susan Waffa-Ogoo, the Gambian minister of Foreign Affairs, congratulated Taiwan on the occasion of her 102nd anniversary of nationhood, saying such days are always moments of joy. She noted that though Taiwan is endowed with very meager resources, her commitment in technological development and other sectors has made the country powerful. She recalled that in the past, the two countries have shared strong bilateral cooperation in diverse sectors, including women economic empowerment. 

Minister Waffa-Ogoo extended the government and people of The Gambia’s appreciation to Taiwan for her unflinching support, maintaining that the harmonisation of the two countries cultures, such as the establishing of the Taiwan Cultural Centre in The Gambia and the recent coming of the Taiwan youth ambassadors, shows how cordial relations between the two countries are.

She reiterated the Gambia government’s commitment in maintaining her friendship with Taiwan and expressed the Gambian people’s wishes for the country through her embassy.