By Lamin Kujabi
His Excellency President Adama Barrow on Thursday, 2nd June, 2022 hosted a send-off reception at State House, in Banjul for the outgoing Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to The Gambia, His Excellency Ma Jianchu. The event was attended by the Vice President Badara Joof, state ministers, secretary general, ambassadors and senior government officials.
President Barrow took the opportunity to honor Ambassador Ma Jianchu to the prestigious rank of medal of GMRG award for his contribution, dedication and commitment to duty during his tenure in the country.
He expressed appreciation and gratitude to Ambassador Ma Jianchu’s valuable contribution and for further strengthening the coorporation and bilateral ties between the two countries.
While he was Ambassador, Jianchu registered so many positive achievements. He helped in the implement of many infrastructural development projects; such as URR roads and bridges and Sir Dawda Jawara International Conference Centre. He also facilitated the Chinese rice experts assistance for Gambian farmers to increase rice production for food self sufficiency.
The government of the People’s Republic of China has been supporting The Gambia through the Ministry of Health for the past years by providing medical teams every year.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, Hon. MomodouTangara expressed satisfaction at the outgoing Ambassador’s service. He said his positive contribution has been noted and greatly appreciated.
The Foreign Affairs Minister also told the outgoing Chinese envoy that his good work in The Gambia has helped develop stronger ties with China.
“During your period in this country, very important exchanges and events took place between our countries and you have played a big part in facilitating those initiatives. We will continue to have strengthened relations for the mutual benefit of the people of China and The Gambia,” the Minister said.
Mnister Tangara went on to explain that the government of the People’s Republic of China continues to extend assistance to the country in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. The Government of The Gambia received N95 masks, medical disposable clothing, infrared thermometers, protective goggles, vaccines and other medical protective gears.
Ambassador Jianchu said the journey is a “memorable experience”, noting that he is happy that substantial progress has been made in the area of bilateral relations between The Gambia and his homeland. He also expressed satisfaction with the people-to-people relations, economic and technical cooperation, and exchanges in culture and education.
Ambassador Ma Jianchu was born in 1962, and graduated from one of the prestigious universities in China and started his work at China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs before he was deployed to work at the Chinese embassy in South Africa, Jordan and Egypt.
He was appointed as Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to The Gambia in 2018 and has now completed his term of service in The Gambia.