President Chen Shui-bian met with Foreign Minister Lamin Kabba Bajo of the Republic of Gambia at the Office of the President on March 15, extending his warmest welcome and cheering the firm friendship between the two countries.
Foreign Minister Bajo, Gambia's former ambassador to Saudi Arabia, was just awarded the highest national honor by the Gambian government this February, commending him for his contributions to Gambia.
The president first asked Foreign Minister Bajo to pass his kindest regards to Gambian President Yahya Jammeh, saying, "I am truly grateful to President Jammeh for his long-term support in Taiwan's bids to become a member both of the World Health Organization and of the United Nations." The president also congratulated Minister Bajo that Gambia has won the bid for this year's African Federation Summit, to be held in July. "I am also grateful to President Jammeh for having invited me to the summit," said the president.
The Republic of Gambia is Taiwan's long-time friend. In 1997, while the president was the mayor of Taipei, the city formed a sister city relationship with Banjul, the capital of Gambia. In 2000, right after assuming presidency, the president chose Gambia to be the first stop of his foreign visit. "One thing will never be changed, that is, the Gambian National Day and my birthday fall on the same day," the president told the guest.
To reciprocate the president's hospitality, Minister Bajo reassured to the president that Gambia would continue to support and speak up for Taiwan. Passing President Jammeh's words, the minister told President Chen that President Jammeh would "forever support Taiwan."
To show his deepest appreciation, the president thanked Minister Bajo, saying, "You Gambians have stood on the side of justice, democracy, and peace."