Outgoing Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bien has assured The Gambia of his continuous commitment to bolster ties between Banjul and Taipei, even after leaving the presidential office.

President Chen gave this assurance during a courtesy call paid on him by the vice-president Aja Dr Isatou Njie-Saidy, who is currently in Taiwan to grace the inauguration of the newly president-elect Ma Ying-jeou, on behalf of President Jammeh.

According to reports monitored on the GRTS, President Chen paid tribute to The Gambia for its unalloyed support to a round of Taiwan's bid to the UN and the WHO. Chen said this resilience and consistency on the part of Banjul has resulted to an increase in Taiwan's allies internationally. He also expressed warm welcome to the vice-president and her delegation, ahead of the May 20 inauguration.

In her response, the vice-president thanked President Chen for the reception and reassured him of The Gambia's relentless commitment to stand by Taiwan in the interest of the two friendly countries and their people.

Dr Aja Isatou Njie-Saidy expressed optimism that the existing relations between the two countries continue to move from strength to strength on Ma's administration.

In a separate engagement, the vice-president and her entourage were hosted to a reception organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Taiwan.

The Gambia and Taiwan currently share bilateral cooperation tied to the priority development aspirations of President Jammeh's government. The two countries share cooperation in a number of key areas, including health, education, agriculture and infrastructure.