By Ya Awa Touray
Presiding over the signing of exchange notes for the delivery of Japanese food assistance, under the Japanese Food Assistance Programme for The Gambia, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, Dr. Mamadou Tangara, praised the Government of Japan for the support and said that the development is significant to The Gambia’s post-COVID reconstruction. The ceremony was held on Thursday, 7 July 2022.
The Government of Japan allocated about one hundred and twenty-five million Gambian Dalasis dedicated to the implementation of the Food Assistance under its grant aid scheme.
Dr. Tangara went on: “Even though Japan and other countries are rebuilding post-COVID-19, Japan continues to reach out to friendly countries like The Gambia to strengthen cooperation through economic and technical assistance”.
He recalled Japan’s participation in the realisation of projects and programmes in the most important sectors of The Gambia’s development through JICA, especially in the areas such as education, vocational training, agriculture, fisheries, health, and water management.
“The spirit of generosity and genuine cooperation has always been a defining characteristic of the Japanese people,” he stated.
The Minister, on behalf of the government and people of the Republic of The Gambia conveyed gratitude to Japan and her people for their continued partnership and solidarity over the years.
For his part, the Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of The Gambia H.E. Izawa Osamu, affirmed that the food aid is part of the contribution of Japan to support the efforts of the Government of The Gambia towards food security and poverty alleviation.
Ambassador Izawa Osamu reiterated Japan’s continuous commitment to stand by the people and the Government of The Gambia in all circumstances in order to achieve social and economic development goals.
