Madam Ramzia Diab Ghanim, the non-resident Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of The Gambia to Philippines, last Monday presented her letter of credence to Rodrigo Roa Duterte, the President of the Republic of Philippines at his official residence at Malacañang Palace.
Ambassador Ramzia Diab was accompanied by the Gambian Honorary Consul in Philippines, Ms Maria Agnes T Huibonhoa and Ms Ajie Bintou Bojang, protocol officer.
Ambassador Ramzia Diab conveyed the fraternal greetings of President Adama Barrow to president Duterte and informed him of the desire of the Gambia Government to further improve the ties of friendship and cooperation shared between the governments and peoples of The Gambia and the Philippines.
She also informed the Philippines President of the priority sectors of The Gambia Government and “expressed the strong wish” of government to cooperate with the Philippines Government in key sectors such as health, agriculture, tourism, human capital development, among other pressing areas.
Ambassador Ramzia Diab thanked the Philippines President for the “support” his government and people have “rendered to The Gambian Government” while expressing confidence that the commitment of the governments and peoples of the two countries will be an impetus for greater cooperation and solidarity on issues that are mutually beneficial.
She also explained that The Gambia has come out of 22-years of autocratic rule in December 2016, and has an agenda to revive cordial relations with her friends.
She stated that The Gambia government under the leadership of President Adama Barrow wishes to strengthen the agreements on scientific and technological cooperation that have been signed in 1996 as well as its cooperation in health and medicine signed in 1999.
Ambassador Ramzia Diab emphasised President Adama Barrow’s relentless efforts to bring The Gambia back to its glorious days where people enjoyed peaceful coexistence and freedom of speech.
“On this basis therefore, The Gambian Government is very optimistic that numerous opportunities will continue to be unveiled for greater interaction between the public and private institutions in the two countries,” she said.
In his reply, President Duterte stated his pleasure in accepting the credentials of Ambassador Ramzia Diab Ghanim and emphasised the willingness of his government to further strengthen the relations between the two countries.
Ambassador Ramzia Diab Ghanim also visited Rizal Park where wreath-laying ceremony was conducted and also inspected a Guard of Honour that was mounted by the officers of the Philippines Military, followed by Guestbook Signing at President’s Hall Ante Room.
Issued by the Communication Unit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad
