According to a media release from the Taiwanese Embassy in Banjul, the president’s visit, which will start today, April 11th-14th, aims to bolster mutual understanding and strengthen relations between the two nations.

During his visit the release stated, President Ma is expected to sign a joint communiqué with the Gambian leader, H.E. Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya A.J.J Jammeh, inspect the implementation of the bilateral cooperative projects, including the hospitals operated with the aid of ROC medical teams and agricultural technology projects.

The Taiwanese leader, the release further stated, will also be invited to stay at President Jammeh’s home village of Kanilai for one night and later visit the Gambia’s National Museum and the Naval Fleet.

“In addition, a troupe from National Taiwan University of Arts will perform traditional Taiwanese dance and folk songs to boost cultural exchanges between two sides,” the release noted.

The officials to accompany President Ma for the trip include the Presidential Office Adviser Mr. Chan Chi-shean, National Security Council Secretary-General Mr. Hu Wei-chen, Foreign Affairs Minister H.E. Timothy C.T. Yang, Council of Labour Affairs Minister Ms Wang Ju-hsuan and related government officials and representatives.