Mrs Fatoumatta Jahumpa-Ceesay, the Speaker of the National Assembly last Friday received Mr Richard Shih, the new Taiwanese Ambassador to The Gambia at her office at the Assembly building in Banjul.

Accompanied to the Speaker's office by Mr Tom Lee, Counsular at the embassy, the meeting was immediate after Mr Shih presented his letter of credence to President Jammeh.

Receiving the diplomat, Speaker FJC thanked him for the immediate courtesy call noting that it is another plus to strengthening the already existing relations between the National Assembly and the Taiwanese embassy. She saluted his predecessor, Dr Chang describing him as a good friend of the assembly. She highlighted the significance of the visit as in accordance with Section 79 of the Constitution which dictates the foreign policy and also inline with President Jammeh's foreign policies.

Speaker FJC then recalled the various support of the the National Assembly towards Taiwan citing "we have passed several resolutions in support of Taiwan because we believe in President Jammeh's foreign policy. We have done a lot in support of Taiwan to be admitted to the WHO as well. We also believed that all the cirterias set by the WHO and other UN bodies have been met by Taiwan and are still denied of their sovereign rights". She then described the Taiwanese economy as the 8th in the world and a better example of a good economy.

She further acknowledged Taiwanese support towards the eradication of malaria in Africa and the tremendous support to the National Assembly over the years. "We have a long standing relations and a friendship committee. We want you to continue from where your predecessor stop in cementing the ties. Just not long agao that we enjoyed a US$ 7000 from the embassy to renovate the assembly lounge.

We also enjoyed several exchange visits to Taiwan and we hope it will continue and also to receive Taiwanese parliamentarians in The Gambia. We will also like to have study tours" she said. She then briefed Ambassador Shih of the membership in the assembly and the various standing committees and acknowledged President Jammeh's readiness to build a state of the art National Assembly in The Gambia.

For his part, Mr Richard Shih expressed delight at the warmed welcome accorded him at the assembly. He promised to concrete the already long standing relations between the two nations and the two legislations.

He assured of his willingness and commitment to deliver as expected and face the challenges but quickly seek the support of the Assembly to realise his objectives. He observed the similarities between the two nations and assured of working closely with the assembly.

Fabakary Tombong Jatta, Majority leader and NAM for Serekunda East expressed delight at the people and government of Taiwan and recognised their suppport to The Gambia. He stated that The Gambia has enjoyed a lot from Taiwan in several key social sectors and assured that they continue to support and recognised Taiwan.

"It is only because of international politics that the people of Taiwan has been denied of their fundamental rights of being a sovereign state but The Gambia will continue to support Taiwan in all bids" he said. He then recalled the ever pleasant relations between the National Assembly and the embassy saying "Count on our fullest support.

We will stand firm by you to see how to overcome the challenges" he said. He then briefed Ambassador Shih of the dynamic leadership of Speaker FJC noting that since her assumption to office, the administration and operational nature of the state of the assembly has been transformed.

At the end of the ceremony, Speaker FJC presented to him the names of the NAMs-Taiwanese friendship association. In return, Ambassador Shih also presented a gift to Speaker FJC.