By Lamin Cham
The Gambian ambassador to South Africa accredited to SADCC countries, Fatoumatta Jahumpa- Ceesay, on Friday presented her letter of credence to President Hage Gottfried Geingob of Namibia in Windhoek.
The ambassador described the event as another milestone in “our collective endeavours to strengthen the excellent relations between Namibia and The Gambia dating back the turbulent days of the 1980s and 90s when The Gambia had demonstrated unflinching support and solidarity to the people of Namibia during their long and bitter struggle for independence.
“It was in this context that The Gambia at the time facilitated the process for some Namibian students to pursue their education in The Gambia and it was a pleasure to have those high school students mingling with their Gambian counterparts in perfect camaraderie, striving to achieve knowledge and academic excellence. I have no doubt that they all have fond memories of their stay in The Gambia,” Ambassador Jahumpa Cessay told the president.
She informed the Namibian head of state that it is in the same spirit as ambassador that she intends to contribute to the common and ardent desire to promote Namibia-Gambia friendship and cooperation even further. “In the course of my tenure, I pledge my availability at all times to explore possible areas of cooperation for the mutual benefit of our two countries and peoples,” she said.
She therefore said the signing of a Technical Cooperation Agreement would certainly stand the two countries in good stead when the two sides are ready to move ahead.
“As I embark on my tour of duty in your beautiful country, I am confident that I can count on your support and that of your government to make my tenure both successful and rewarding,” the Gambian ambassador told President Geingob. Madam Jahumpa Ceesay was accompanied to Namibia by her deputy Buba Ayi Sanneh.
