Nov 5: Shri V. Muraleedharan, Minister of State for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs visited the Republic of The Gambia from 1-3 November 2021. This comes as a follow-up to the first-ever state visit by President Shri Ram Nath Kovind to The Gambia from 30 July-1 August, 2019. During the visit, MoS called on the President of The Gambia H.E. Mr. Adama Barrow. MoS had discussions with Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians abroad Dr. Mamadou Tangara on bilateral cooperation and reviewed the entire gamut of our bilateral relations. During the visit, MoS also met Speaker of the National Assembly of The Gambia Ms. Mariam Jack-Denton, and Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology Mr. Badara Joof. There is a mutual desire to further enhance bilateral trade and development partnership between India and The Gambia.
Two Agreements, an Agreement on Exemption from Visa requirement for Holders of Diplomatic and Official Passports, and a General Framework Agreement for Cooperation between India and The Gambia were signed during the visit. Based on The Gambia’s request, repurposing of US $ 500,000 grant for procuring dialysis machines was announced during the visit. During the visit, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians abroad Dr. Mamadou Tangara and MoS jointly released the design of a commemorative stamp, marking 75 years of India’s Independence.
MoS visited the National Assembly Building Complex of The Gambia in Banjul, which is one of the landmark projects in West Africa built under Line of Credit. He also visited two ongoing Indian LOC projects, an Electrification expansion Project and a Water project of Replacement of Asbestos water pipes with UPVC in the Greater Banjul area. In addition, he also visited Katchikally Museum and University of The Gambia construction site, which is a Gambian Government project, being constructed by an Indian company.
The Gambia has a small but vibrant Indian community of about 1600 persons, mostly traders and businessmen. MoS interacted with members of the Indian community during the visit. Overall, the visit set the tone for further diversifying and deepening our bilateral relations with The Gambia.
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