President Adama Barrow had a series of engagements on the sidelines of the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA77) in New York.
During his stay, he held a bilateral (meeting) with the Sudanese leader, His Excellency, Lieutenant General Abdel – Fattah Al-Burhan Abdelrahman Al- Burhan. The two leaders discussed the significance of the cordial and longstanding historical ties between their two countries and the cooperation in the education and security sectors.
The two countries have been expanding their relations as key Member States of the AU and OIC at bilateral levels. Also, Presidents Barrow and Al- Burhan discussed the political developments and sustaining the democratic governance in Sudan. The Gambia contributed to maintaining peace and security in Sudan by deploying military and police personnel to the AU and UN Peacekeeping Missions.
President Barrow also honoured an invitation by the Nigerian President, H. E Muhammadu Buhari to the Nigeria International Economic Partnership Forum held in New York. The forum brought together business people from the Nigerian Diaspora and others in the United States to explore the possibilities of investing in Africa.
In another bilateral engagement, President Barrow received the Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam in New York. The theme of their discussion was peaceful co-existence between Muslims and Non-Muslims and the promotion of World Peace.
They also noted the opportunities The Gambia’s hosting of the Ministers of Religious Affairs of the Muslim Ummah in December 2022 presents. The Gambian President took pride that The Gambia is known as a country where Christians and Muslims co-exist peacefully, stating that the December Interfaith Conference would avail an opportunity to share best practices and experiences on interfaith tolerance.
In his reaction, SG Abdelsalam said he would be an Ambassador for The Gambia in promoting peace and development. The President also received an Award from the Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Elders.
Still, on the sidelines of the UNGA 77, the ECOWAS leaders used the opportunity and convened an extraordinary meeting to discuss the state of affairs in the ECOWAS sub-region. The leaders maintained their commitment to the mediation and processes for a quick return to constitutional order in the neighbouring countries, which is necessary for peace, stability, and development in the West African sub-region.
The curtain was drawn on the side events with an audience with the Executive Secretary of the UN Capital Development Fund – UNCDF, Preeti Shinha. They discussed the possibilities The Gambia presents to enhance youth and women’s access to funds, digital financing, skills development, and opportunities for Small and Medium Enterprises – SMEs.
President Barrow expressed gratitude for the support already provided to 6,000 youths to mitigate illegal migration. He informed the meeting that his government prioritises Agric-business to create jobs for the youth in poultry, horticulture, and fisheries in particular, as well as skills development.
The UN Capital Development Fund Executive Secretary expressed interest in The Gambia, and is determined to work with The Gambia Government in creating a platform that guarantees and attracts investors to access capital for bankable projects.
President Barrow wrapped up his official engagements with a Bilateral meeting with the Secretary General of the United Nations, H.E Antonia Guterres, on the morning of Monday, 27th September 2022, at the UN Headquarters in New York.
He thanked the UN family for the support it offers The Gambia to promote peace and development. Mr. Guterres expressed admiration for President Barrow and pledged his continued support to the country.
Also, President Barrow met Young Gambian Professionals in New York and encouraged them to explore the opportunities back in The Gambia. It was noted that with digitalisation, they could invest and keep the link with others back in their country of origin.
Source: State House, Banjul, 28th September 2022
