By Fatou Sillah
His Excellency, President Adama Barrow, on Thursday received Dr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, former President of Tanzania, at the State House in Banjul. Dr. Kikwete, who served as Tanzania’s Head of State from 2005 to 2015, visited The Gambia as a Special Envoy of President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
The visit underscores the deep-rooted diplomatic ties between The Gambia and Tanzania, reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening bilateral relations. Dr. Kikwete, a highly respected statesman in African diplomacy, is known for his contributions to peace and stability across the continent.
Following a closed-door meeting with President Barrow, Dr. Kikwete addressed the press, emphasizing the importance of continued cooperation between the two nations. He highlighted the historical bonds between The Gambia and Tanzania, dating back to the era of their respective founding leaders, Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara and Mwalimu Julius Nyerere
“President Samia appreciates the cordial relations that so happily exist between our two countries. And this is a long history, from the time of independence of the Gambia, the independence of our country, where your first president, Dawda Jawara, and our first president, Julius Nyerere, they had cordial working relationships, they were comrades in arms, supporting each other, and working together for the benefit of the African continent,” Dr. Kikwete stated.
He further noted that discussions with President Barrow focused on enhancing collaboration in various sectors, with both leaders expressing a shared commitment to strengthening ties.
“The message is about cooperation and solidarity between our two countries. There are so many things that we have to do together, and there is commitment on the side of President Samia Suluhu Hassan to support Gambia in whatever way, And we’ve also been asking for support from the Gambia, the continued cooperation and understanding,” he said
Dr. Kikwete also commended The Gambia for its stability and progress, describing the country’s peaceful environment as a crucial asset for development and international partnerships.
“I have congratulated the president on his leadership. The country is quiet, it’s calm, there’s progress that is evident. He has also appreciated the work that our president is doing. So that is what I can briefly say, but it is a message of goodwill, for continued friendship, excellent relations. President Samir would like to see these cordial relations grow to the greatest heights possible,” he concluded.
Dr. Kikwete’s visit reaffirms the longstanding partnership between The Gambia and Tanzania, paving the way for future collaboration in key areas of mutual interest.