Gambia government has reached a financial agreement with the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) to modernize the Banjul International Airport. The signing of the US$12 Million funding agreement was earlier this week presided over President Adama Barrow, at State House.
Mr. Yousef I. Albassam, Advisor to the Managing Director of the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) and Chairman of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) signed on behalf of the Saudi delegation while the Finance Minister Mamboury Njie, signed on behalf of The Gambia.
The project is meant upgrade the airport to meet the required standard in the Aviation Industry as part of the improvement of the infrastructural facilities of The Gambia in preparation for Organisation of Islamic Corporation (OIC) Summit in 2022.
Yousef Albassam spoke of the “excellent relationship” between Saudi Arabia and The Gambia, and expressed commitment to strengthening the relationship. “We assured the President of the strong support of both the Saudi Fund and BADEA towards The Gambia’s success,” he added.
The BADEA boss intimated that President Barrow had expressed gratitude and appreciation to the King and the Crown Prince of the Saudi Kingdom for their continued support to the government and the people of The Gambia.
He informed that the signing was followed by discussions with The Gambia OIC Secretariat on the ongoing SFD funding for the OIC 2022 Islamic Summit in Banjul and that they are delighted at the progress made on the ongoing rehabilitation of the Airport.
Mambureh Njie, Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs of the Gambia joined the President in thanking the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for their continued support to The Gambia.
