By Arret Jatta
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad convened its first meeting with former Gambian ambassadors and retired senior diplomatic executives on Monday, marking what officials described as the start of structured collaboration between past and present.
Minister Sering Modou Njie said the engagement was both symbolic and substantive, explaining that it honoured generations who built The Gambia’s diplomatic reputation as well as launching a renewed partnership to modernise the foreign service.
The minister outlined a strategic vision focused on institutional capacity, economic diplomacy, and stronger regional and multilateral engagement. “Priorities include a Foreign Service Reform Programme, establishment of a Foreign Service Academy, finalisation of a Foreign Policy Framework aligned to the National Development Plan, and enhanced diaspora engagement,” the minister said.
He also announced that key documents are being finalized including the Foreign Service Bill, Foreign Service Regulations, Posting Policy, Diaspora Strategy, Code of Conduct, and a Protocol and Consular Service Manual.
Minister Njie paid tribute to pioneering diplomats who have passed, and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to preserving their legacy while building a more professional foreign service for the future.
Ambassador Ebrima Ousmane Ndure, chairman of the Interim Committee, said the gathering lays the foundation for the first Association of Former Gambian Ambassadors and Retired Senior Diplomatic Executives. He proposed the association serve as mentors, trainers at the planned Academy, and custodians of the service’s history.
Permanent Secretary Fatou Kinneh Jobe, who served as master of ceremonies, also described the meeting as long overdue and said the Ministry deeply values their institutional memory.
She noted that retirement does not mean the end of service, and called for practical collaboration in mentoring, training, and documenting diplomatic history.