The Gambian leader Adama Barrow will be leaving for United Kingdom on Tuesday to attend the Commonwealth head of states summit, the presidency has said on Monday.
Barrow’s attendance will be symbolic in marking the country’s return to the body of former English colonies, 5 years after the country’s exit.
Gambia’s former leader Yahya Jammeh pulled the country out of the global body calling it a colonial institution.
Following his shocking defeat in 2016, Barrow initiated a return to the body, an effort which was seen through in January 2017.
“President Barrow will meet Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, the British Prime Minister, the Commonwealth Secretary General and other dignitaries,” the presidency said.
“He will also share The Gambia’s story towards sustainable progress, commitments on Malaria elimination and environmental protection during the Commonwealth meeting. While in London, President Barrow will also meet the Gambian community.”
Gambian leader will join the foreign minister Ousainou Darboe and tourism minister Hamat Bah who are already in UK.
Meanwhile, the Gambian leader will also be leaving UK for United Nations General Assembly High Level meeting on peace building in New York, United States of America
In New York, President Barrow will deliver a statement on peacebuilding and sustainable peace, and he will also attend an advocacy meeting on the International Conference on National Development Plan 2018-2021 scheduled to take place in Brussels in May 2018. Gambia is hosting a round table donor meeting in Brussels on May 22 to seek support for key development infrastructure in the country.
Accompanied by First Lady, Fatou Bah-Barrow, President Barrow and his delegation will depart Banjul International Airport at 11:00AM.
By Mustapha K Darboe