Speaking in a 15-minute interview with the Gambia Radio and Television Services (GRTS) on Monday ahead of President Ma Ying-jeou’s visit today, Ambassador Chen said this is President Ma’s first visit to The Gambia since he became president.

He disclosed that president Ma has been very keen to visit The Gambia since last year but decided to reschedule the trip due to the elections in Taiwan which he [President Ma] won.

The Taiwanese ambassador told the national broadcaster that President Ma’s visit to The Gambia is part of his promise to come to the country, which, according to him, is constructive to the sustainable bilateral relations between Banjul and Taipei.He described relations between the two countries as very cordial, saying The Gambia and Taiwan are like two brothers who share many things in common.

Highlighting some of the interventions by Taiwan in The Gambia, Ambassador Chen said these does not only stop at infrastructure but also includeagriculture, which remains the backbone of the Gambia economy, as well as health, security and education. He made reference to Taiwan’s annual awarding of scholarships to Gambian students to pursue different fields of study in Taiwan. He further disclosed that currently, over 200 Gambian students are pursuing education in Asian nation.

He thanked the government and the people of The Gambia for maintaining a flourishing relationship with his country, and also for the preparations to welcome President Ma.

Mawdo Juwara, a former Gambian ambassador to Taiwan also hailed Banjul-Taipei ties.

He said since The Gambia established diplomatic ties with Taiwan, both sides have mutually benefitted from each other. He mentioned education, health and agriculture as some of the areas The Gambia has imensely benefitted from Taiwan.

Juwara said education is one of the main foundations of the cooperation between Banjuland Taipei. ”Without education, a country’s development cannot go fast,” he opined.He added that The Gambia has always shown her commitment to Taiwan at the international fora.

Ebrima Jarju, The Gambia’s ambassador to Taiwan said a relationship between the two sides has now transcended the boundaries of only being friends. He confirmed that there are over 200 Gambian students currently studying in Taiwan.