During his address to the Saudi-Africa Summit, in the Kingdom’s capital Riyadh, His Excellency President Adama Barrow applauded the efforts to sustain the excellent fraternal ties between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and The Gambia, and the many other supports it offers to Banjul. “We thank the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for their numerous humanitarian interventions in The Gambia and invaluable contributions to the welfare of our people. In particular, we thank the Kingdom for all the funding we received through the Saudi Fund for Development to host the 15th OIC Summit in The Gambia,” he said.
Equally, the President reaffirmed The Gambia’s unwavering support to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s global endeavours, and ambitions. He reminded that his country backed Saudi’s hosting of the 2030 EXPO, which came into fruition; as well as their bid to host the FIFA World Cup in 2034.
He went on: “I must, at this Summit, reiterate our continued solidarity with the Kingdom to confront threats against its sovereignty and security”.
Further expressing The Gambia’s commitment to the Saudi cause as bilateral partners, President Barrow said his country also supports the Kingdom’s efforts to normalise relations with their neighbours, saying as peace-loving countries, The Gambia and Saudi Arabia share a similar vision for global peace.
“We thus commend the Kingdom for their peace endeavours in Sudan and appreciate the evacuation to Jeddah of Gambian nationals trapped in Khartoum at the outbreak of the conflict,” he added.
On the prospects, The Gambian leader said following the Air Transport Services and Bilateral Cooperation signed between our two countries, The Gambia looks forward to new openings to boost the bilateral ties through Agreements on Avoidance of Double Taxation and Recruitment of Public and Domestic Workers.
He expressed belief that signing a Memorandum of Understanding on exemption of Visa for Saudi nationals will further enhance travel and investment opportunities in The Gambia.
“Like the Kingdom under its “Vision 2030”, The Gambia Government is prioritising such sectors as agriculture, the digital economy, and tourism to achieve the sustainable development goals.
Additionally, to attract more domestic and Foreign Direct Investments, we have legal frameworks that guarantee the protection of investments and businesses in The Gambia”.
On the multilateral front, President Barrow reiterates The Gambia’s support of the UN Resolution calling for the unconditional ceasefire and release of all hostages, and calls for an International Peace Conference for Comprehensive Peace to resolve the fight for a Two-State Solution, with Palestinians and Israelis living side-by-side in peace and harmony. He however wished Palestinians victory in their quest for sovereignty and full independence.
About the significance of the summit, he said hosting the Saudi-Africa and Arab-Africa Summits in Riyadh indicates commitment to the development aspirations of Africa, and expressed hope that the Summit will build on the foundation already laid between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the continent and will take full advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area initiative. “We expect that it will also unlock the potential of millions of people to contribute to the continent’s sustainable economic development goals”.
He went on: “Our shared values have cemented our relations as members of many global and regional organisations to uplift human dignity and improve our socio-economic environment. Through such networks, we continue to re-new our commitment to the cause of humanity, peace, and stability”.
The Gambian leader extended his sincere gratitude and appreciation to The Custodian of The Two Holy Mosques, His Majesty, King Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, and the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, His Royal Highness, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, for their exceptional hospitality.
