By Sarjo M. Camara
The US Ambassador to The Gambia, Her Excellency Sharon L. Cromer, recently paid a courtesy call on the Vice President, His Excellency Badara A. Joof at State House.
Speaking to the media shortly after her audience with the Vice President, Ambassador Cromer said that is her first time meeting with the Vice President and their discussions centered on issues of common interest for the two countries.
She said the partnership and relationship between the United States and the government of The Gambia is expanding and that she will continue to work towards strengthening the excellent bilateral relations between the two countries.
Her Excellency Cromer, said that she is proud of the democratic transition of the country, and that they are ready to support in promoting economic growth, strengthening The Gambia’s democratic institutions, improving governance, and implementing significant economic reforms.
The US Ambassador went on to highlight country support programmes her government is implementing in The Gambia; such as the Millennium Challenge Corporation; USAID $8 million which supported various projects for a period of four years, the judiciary, US Department for Agriculture working on cashew value chain and US Treasury Department supporting The Gambia in budget formulation.
She added that they are hopeful that the US National Guard will support NDMA in its disaster relief efforts.
The US Ambassador further commended the eight Mandela Fellows who were enrolled in different universities in the United States who will be returning soon from the United States of which 7 are women. She added that her office is proud of The Gambian participants for their exemplary performance during the fellowship.
In a similar engagement, the British High Commissioner, Mr David Belgrove also paid a call on the Vice President. Their discussion revolved around the long-standing relationship between the two countries.
He added that they also discussed issues of security, education, military cooperation, and climate change. He expressed their commitment to support of the reform agenda of the judiciary and provision of support to Victims of human rights abuse during the Jammeh area.
High Commissioner Belgrove said he also informed the Vice President about the five beneficiaries of the Chevening Scholarship.
Both congratulated His Excellency the Vic President on his appointment.
