President Geingob of Namibia welcomes new High Commissioner Fatoumata Jahumpa Ceesay of The Gambia

The Gambia High Commissioner to South Africa and designated Ambassador over Southern African countries recently presented her letters of credence to the President of Namibia, His Excellency, President Dr. Hage Gottfried Geingob.

Before the presentation, she followed the diplomatic protocol, Her Excellency, Fatoumata Jahumpa Ceesay was received on arrival by the Chief Protocol officer to the President and after welcoming remarks; she was led to meet the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the country’s Deputy Prime Minister, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah who held discussions with the new diplomat representing the Gambia in her country.

The new High Commissioner, Ambassador Ceesay disclosed as part of her priority to reunite Namibian citizens who fled to the Gambia during the political uprising and struggle for independence to continue their studies but have all returned back home and in better positions now with good education, and even some occupying positions in government and places of authority in the country. “We could establish a reunion with our countries and work for our mutual benefits”.

Ambassador Ceesay highlighted some key areas both countries could establish cooperation which includes the Valvis Bay and Banjul Port as natural harbours in Africa which could be used to expand business cooperation in the area sea travels and fishing; she proposed that both countries sign technical cooperation covering all these areas. In the same line of discussion, fisheries in Namibia contributes 20% of their export earning, therefore they have developed a sustainable management of stocks which is very high and their knowledge of sustainable fisheries management could be shared with fisheries authorities in the Gambia and some Gambians could be sent to Namibia on short term training programs.

Also in the area of training of Geologists at the University of Namibia so that there could be working cooperation with the Gambians and the students in the course of study could come to Namibia and the cost of University is relatively cheaper compared to other countries. Her Excellency, Madam Ceesay finds the Namibian Geological Survey very impressive and well archived as compared to the Gambia.

Ambassador Ceesay also touched on Tourism which is one of the most vibrant sectors of the Gambia economy but could still improve and increase with the experience of Namibia; the Etosha National Part is well managed tourist attraction with wide life like elephants, giraffes, lions, black rhinos and many more animals available for public to see. Ambssador Ceesay admitted there is a lot to learn on how to make their parks more attractive for tourism. In all the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nandi-Ndaitwah said her country is open and ready for mutual cooperation in all of these areas identified by Ambassador Ceesay.

After discussions with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, she alongside 12 other countries designated diplomats presented their letters of credence to His Excellency, President Geingob.

Find a copy of her statement to the President of Namibia on behalf of her President, President Adama Barrow of the Gambia.

Excerpts:

STATEMENT ON THE OCCASION OF THE PRESENTATION OF CREDENTIALS TO HIS EXCELLENCY DR. HAGE G. GEINGOB, PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF NAMIBIA

Your Excellency, Mr. President,

It is with a deep sense of honour and happiness that I present to you, Sir, the Letters by which His Excellency President Adama Barrow accredits me as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of The Gambia to the Republic of Namibia. This solemn ceremony today marks another milestone in our collective endeavours to strengthen even further, the excellent relations that have always existed between Namibia and The Gambia. Like most African countries, the Government and people of The Gambia had demonstrated unflinching support and solidarity to the people of Namibia during their long and bitter struggle for independence. It was in this context that the Government of The Gambia at the time facilitated the process for some Namibian students to pursue their education in The Gambia. It was a pleasure to have those high school students mingling with their Gambian counterparts in perfect camaraderie, striving to achieve knowledge and academic excellence. I have no doubt that they all have fond memories of their stay in The Gambia. Your Excellency, It is in this spirit too that I intend to contribute my modest but sincere contribution to our common and ardent desire to promote even further Namibian-Gambian friendship and cooperation. In the course of my tenure, I pledge my availability at all times to explore possible areas of cooperation for the mutual benefit of our two countries and peoples. In this regard, the signing of a Technical Cooperation Agreement would certainly stand us in good stead when the two sides are ready to move ahead.

Your Excellency, As I embark on my tour of duty in your beautiful country, I am confident that I can count on your support and that of your Government to make my tenure both successful and rewarding.

Long live Namibian-Gambian friendship and cooperation.

I thank you, Sir.

 

Photos courtesy of the Namibian Government

Report by Pastor Elvis Iruh

Publisher, The Voice magazine