The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of The Gambia to the Republic of Finland with residence in London, Her Excellency Dr. Fatou Bensouda on Saturday 27th September 2023 presented her Letters of Credence to His Excellency, Sauli Niinistö, President of Finland.
Following the presentation of her Letters, Her Excellency the Ambassador conveyed warm greetings and best wishes from His Excellency President Adama Barrow and the people of the Republic of The Gambia to President Sauli Niinisto. The Ambassador further stressed Gambia’s readiness and desire to deepen ties of cooperation with Finland.
Ambassador Bensouda expressed the desire to effectively utilize the Air Service Agreement ratified by the President of the Republic of The Gambia in July 2020, between Gambia and Finland. The Air Service Agreement is geared toward formalizing air travel between Gambia and Finland.
Ambassador Bensouda further requested stronger ties between Gambia and Finland in the field of education by offering places to Gambian students in science, technology, and medicine scholarships.
Avenues such as student exchange programs, further training of Gambian medical students, and cooperation offer opportunities to Gambian nurses. Discussions were held regarding easier access to visas for Gambians traveling to Finland.
President Sauli Niinisto welcomed the Ambassador and conveyed his greetings to His Excellency President Adama Barrow. He assured Her Excellency the Ambassador of the Finnish government’s desire to maintain cordial relations with the Gambia. He reiterated the desire of the Finnish government to open further avenues for cooperation.
President Sauli Niinisto concluded by stressing that Finland will work closely with the Gambia at all multilateral foras, and that stronger bilateral ties will be maintained to foster understanding and cooperation.
Her Excellency, Dr. Fatou Bensouda, was accompanied to the presentation ceremony of her letter of Credence by Mr. Suntou Touray, Deputy Head of Mission in London.
