By Makutu Manneh
The foreign minister of The Gambia and the United States’ top diplomat in the country on Tuesday reaffirmed bilateral relations during talks that touched on security cooperation, migration, and development, according to the Gambian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The meeting, held on Jan. 27 at the Foreign Ministry in Banjul, brought together Sering Modou Njie, the minister of foreign affairs, international cooperation, and Gambians abroad, and Eugene S. Young, the United States chargé d’affaires and interim head of the U.S. Embassy in The Gambia.
Officials said the discussions underscored what they described as a long-standing partnership between the two countries, including shared commitments to peace, security, and economic development. The diplomats also discussed current U.S. visa policies, including the use of visa bonds and travel restrictions.
Mr. Young expressed appreciation for The Gambia’s role in international peacekeeping, particularly its decision to deploy personnel to a United Nations-mandated mission in Haiti, the ministry said.
He also conveyed condolences over recent migrant deaths and stressed the importance of cooperation to address irregular migration, including public awareness campaigns and the promotion of lawful migration pathways.
Mr. Njie, in turn, reaffirmed his government’s commitment to working closely with the United States while emphasizing the need for continued public sensitization and cooperation on migration-related issues.
The Gambian foreign minister also acknowledged American support for the country’s development priorities, citing collaboration in health, education, and institutional capacity-building.
According to the ministry, Mr. Njie thanked the United States for backing The Gambia’s participation in international peace operations and called for continued assistance in training, capacity-building, and logistical support for Gambian security forces.
The U.S. Embassy highlighted a range of American-supported programs in The Gambia, including school feeding initiatives, health interventions, technical assistance to government institutions, and the ongoing presence of the U.S. Peace Corps, the ministry said.
Officials said the talks also addressed investment, digital connectivity, and private sector engagement, with both sides emphasizing the importance of fostering an environment conducive to international partnerships and sustainable economic growth.
Both governments reaffirmed their commitment to continued dialogue, the ministry said, describing mutual respect and cooperation as central to the relationship between The Gambia and the United States.
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