The Taiwanese plenipotentiary in Banjul has showered praises on Gambian journalists for their invaluable support to the government and his embassy.

Dr Patrick Chang made these remarks at a dinner hosted by himself in recognition of the contribution of the Gambian media fraternity towards the socio-economic development of the country, particularly within the gamut of information dissemination - print and electronic media.

The dinner was attended by Alhaji Momodou Sanyang, director general of the Gambia Radio and Television Services (GRTS) and his deputy Alhaji Modou Joof, Pap Saine, managing-editor of The Point newspaper, and editors of the Daily Observer newspaper. A selection of the staff of the three main media houses in the country also attended the dinner.

Welcoming the guests at  his ambassadorial residence, Dr Chang lauded the efforts of local journalists and then singled out the extensive coverage accorded to President Jammeh's successful state visit to Taiwan in December, last year, by both the print and the electronic houses in the country. He expressed happiness with the timing of the dinner as it came on the heels of the Chinese New Year, when the moon is said to be at the peak of its full effulgence.

Speaking on behalf of the local media, The Point's Managing-Editor Saine thanked Ambassador Chang and his embassy for their partnership and assured him of their support at all times. Mr Saine stressed the importance the local media attaches to Banjul-Taipei cooperation, saying that this has yielded benefits that have evidently improved the quality of life for the people.

Mr Saine used the opportunity to drum up support for the local media, especially in the area of university training and provision of equipment to strengthen the media houses to live up to the test of time. Mr Saine, himself a veteran journalist, emphasised the need to enhance the capacity and human resource of local media houses, concluding that the cooperation between The Gambia and the Asian-Pacific island state grows from strength to strength.

At the dinner, Ambassador Chang and members of his team went the extra mile to demonstrate their affinity with the local media and at some instances, even went as far as to personally serve his distinguished guests dessert and a special Chinese tea. There was abundant food and beverages to everyone's satisfaction.