The Gambia’s President Adama Barrow on Saturday expressed his government’s intention to forge stronger ties with China, which he described as the country’s most important partner.
President Barrow made the remarks during talks with visiting Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
Wang picked Africa as his destination for his first diplomatic trip of 2019, heading to The Gambia, Burkina Faso, Senegal and Ethiopia.
His visit to The Gambia was the first by a Chinese foreign minister. President Barrow praised it, saying it showed China’s good faith in strengthening bilateral relations.
The Gambian leader also noted his two visits to China last year, which he said showed his government’s confidence in the relations with the Asian country.
China and The Gambia restored diplomatic ties in 2016. Wang lauded the rapid development of relations since then, saying that facts have proved the resumption of diplomatic relations was a right decision.
The decision, he said, fully conforms with the fundamental and long-term interests of The Gambia and its people, as well as the trend of the times.
The Chinese foreign minister said China appreciates Gambia’s reaffirmed stance on the one-China policy, and is willing to build mutual trust with the West African country.
The two sides should firmly support each other on issues concerning their respective core interests so as to consolidate the political foundation for future development of their ties, he said.
