The newly appointed Taiwanese ambassador to The Gambia will land on the tarmac of the Banjul International Airport today, to assume his new assignment in Banjul.

Richard Shih is expected to be received at the airport by government officials and staff of the Taiwanese Embassy in Banjul. Ambassador Shih replaced Dr Patrick Chang, who recently left Banjul for Taipei after a term of three years.

Ambassador Shih has garnered a wealth of experience in diplomatic service, having worked in South Africa as Taiwan's ambassador. He also worked as the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Taiwan.

Ambassador Shih also has a colourful background in agriculture and journalism, having served as a director at the Department of Agriculture of Taiwan and the Department of Journalism. He has also served as the deputy director of the Department of NGOs.