Pilippines and Namibia Reaffirm Ties with The Gambia

The Gambia has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening international partnerships as President Adama Barrow on Tuesday received the Letters of Credence of the Ambassadors of the Philippines and Namibia to The Gambia.

Presenting his credentials at the State House in Banjul, H.E. Mersole J. Mellejor, Ambassador of the Philippines, highlighted existing collaborations in higher education, agriculture, food security, and the maritime sector. He pledged to build on these ties, stressing the importance of South-South cooperation.

Ambassador Mellejor also expressed appreciation for The Gambia’s support of the Philippines’ bids for seats at the United Nations Security Council and the International Maritime Organisation’s Category C.

In response, President Barrow congratulated the Ambassador on his appointment and underscored the need to translate existing agreements into concrete action. He noted that partnerships in agriculture and vocational training would enhance rice production and boost the skills of Gambian seafarers. “A lot of agreements were signed and now it is time to put them to action for the benefit of our peoples,” President Barrow said, adding that trade, shared colonial history, and cultural ties provide a strong foundation for deeper cooperation.

Similarly, Namibia’s new Ambassador, H.E. Richard Stanley Tsandid, presented his credentials while reaffirming the historic bonds between Namibia and The Gambia. He outlined priority areas of cooperation, including agriculture, food security, youth and sports, and the creative industries.

Ambassador Tsandid commended The Gambia for its support during Namibia’s independence struggle and reiterated his country’s commitment to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agenda.

Welcoming the envoy, President Barrow stressed the importance of AfCFTA in fostering integration through trade, services, and free movement of people across the continent. He extended condolences to Namibia on the passing of its former president, describing him as “a good friend,” and lauded the country’s democratic resilience.

“Your institutions and democracy are strong; that is why your transition was smooth. Having the first female President is advantageous,” Barrow said. He added that The Gambia, as a “New Gambia,” was building strong foundations and looked forward to working with Namibia and other African partners to achieve the African Union’s Agenda 2063.