Press release
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad of the Republic of The Gambia wishes to inform the general public that following his appointment as Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, Honourable Dr. Mamadou Tangara, who was The Gambia’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, bade farewell to H.E. Mr. António Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, on Wednesday 22nd August 2018.
In a brief encounter, Dr. Tangara thanked the Secretary-General for receiving him in audience and thanked him and the United Nations for their steadfast support to The Gambia throughout his tenure. He highlighted the critical support the Secretary-General gave to the Barrow Government during the political impasse and the transition to a new democratic order.
Dr. Tangara also spoke highly of the critical support that the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel and the UN Country team provided during our political transition. He further highlighted that the initial support that the UN provided to The Gambia through the Peacebuilding Commission and its Support Office, made a huge difference in kick-starting reforms in the areas of peacebuilding, transitional justice and security sector reform. He assured the Secretary-General that President Barrow is committed to consolidating democracy, good governance and the rule of law in the country.
In his turn, Secretary-General Guterres recognised Minister Tangara’s leadership which he demonstrated while serving as The Gambia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations during that difficult political transition in The Gambia. He further stated that he has no doubt in his abilities as Minister of Foreign Affairs. The Secretary-General also thanked the people of The Gambia for their commitment to democracy which made it possible for the UN and the International Community to stand by them. He reiterated the UN’s commitment to making The Gambia a success story in its peacebuilding and development efforts. The Secretary-General stated that the United Nations will continue to support The Gambia’s democratic transition.
Minister Tangara also used the occasion to thank the Secretary-General for the UN’s participation in the Brussels Conference in May 2018 and for the pledge of $20 million made by the UN Peacebuilding Commission and the Peacebuilding Support Office. He assured the Secretary-General that The Gambia will continue to collaborate with the UN to advance the implementation of the National Development Plan (NDP) 2018-2021.
Meanwhile, Minister Tangara seized the opportunity to sign the Book of Condolence opened at the UN Headquarters, to mourn the passing of H.E. Mr. Kofi Annan, former Secretary-General of the United Nations.
Issued by Communication Unit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad
