The cheque was handed over to the secretary general and head of the Civil Service, Njogou Bah, by the Taiwanese ambassador to The Gambia, His Excellency Samuel Cheng.

Speaking at the occasion, Ambassador Cheng, on behalf of the government and people of Taiwan, said he is honoured to present the cheque for assistance towards the development of the higher education in The Gambia.

His words: “You know higher education is very important in this country and is also a fundamental demand to cultivate high-level human resources.”

He also stated that based on the cordial ties that exist between Banjul and Taipei, his country is glad to support the project.

The Taiwanese ambassador assured that this support, which is geared towards ensuring high-level human resources in the area of higher education for The Gambia, will continue every year.

He added: “Based on the friendship and cooperation between our two countries, I’m therefore pleased to hand over this cheque for US$500,000 to the secretary general and head of Civil Service.”

Receiving the cheque, SGBah recalled that just a few days ago, he received a handsome donation from the Embassy of ROC towards the national development basket. “Today again, I am receiving a handsome cheque amounting to US$500,000 as contribution towards the education sector,” he said.

He continued: “We gladly accept the cheque with appreciation and we want to say that the president of the Republic, His Excellency Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh and his government, likewise the people of The Gambia, once again convey through you, to His Excellency President Ma Ying Jeou and the government of Taiwan, our appreciation for the support your country has been rendering to The Gambia.”

SG Bah stressed that the education sector is very important and dear to the Gambian leader, and went on to cite the numerous investments he [President Jammeh] continues to put into the education sector, including the free education for girls in the country as well as the sponsorship package he extended to many individuals to pursue specialised courses in various disciplines abroad.

“For you to realise the steps he has taken towards that end, you came up with this support to complement what he is doing. It is very much appreciated and there are so many Gambians who have benefited from this programme and they will continue to benefit from this budgetary support that you have just presented to us,” he further stated.

SG Bah on behalf of the Gambian leader, the beneficiary institutions and the people of The Gambia, thanked the people and government of Taiwan for always standing by The Gambia and for always contributing to the country’s national development strides.

“Developing this nation needs the support of partners and true friends and indeed Taiwan is our true friend, as you have been with us since day one. We are proud of our partnership,” he added.

He then assured that the Gambian leader will always stand by Taiwan. “We cherish the relationship and we will jealously guide it and we ask to protect and to bring peace, development and prosperity to our two countries and its people,” he concluded.