President Chen Shui-bian on September 8 met with Republic of The Gambia Vice President Isatou Njie-Saidy at the Presidential Building. President Chen, on behalf of the government and 23 million people of the ROC (Taiwan), expressed his appreciation to Vice President Njie-Saidy for leading a delegation to Taiwan to attend the First Taiwan-African Heads of State Summit, the 2007 Taiwan-Africa Progressive Partnership Forum as well as the 2007 IWAS World Wheelchair and Amputee Games.
President Chen said that he and President of The Gambia Yahya A. J. J. Jammeh maintain a close friendship, evidenced by the many visits made to Taiwan by President Jammeh during President Chen's presidency. President Jammeh has made six state visits to Taiwan, the last one being in October 2005 to participate in National Day festivities here. President Jammeh last year originally intended to visit Taiwan again, but was unable to do so as he focused his efforts on promoting peace and stability in the West Africa region. In addition, as it was The Gambia's turn to lead the African Union, President Jammeh in early July last year arranged for an African Union summit, assembling over 50 leaders and government heads of state. That meeting was a rousing success. President Chen offered his congratulations for the accomplishment.
President Chen once again took the occasion to thank The Gambia for sparing no effort over the years in supporting Taiwan. He said The Gambia has also been in the forefront to help Taiwan participate in the international community and in international organizations. For instance, in May this year, The Gambia's ministers of health and agriculture made respective statements on behalf of Taiwan at the World Health Organization and the World Organization for Animal Health. In the latter, statements were made to protest changes made to Taiwan's name in the organization. The president said the people of Taiwan were deeply moved by this act of friendship.
Vice President Njie-Saidy thanked President Chen for taking time out of his busy schedule to meet with her. She also handed President Chen a personal letter from President Jammeh wishing the Taiwan government success in holding the First Taiwan-African Heads of State Summit. He said this summit will further solidify the friendship between Taiwan and African nations, adding that he is confident that the summit will strengthen the relationship between Taiwan and The Gambia.
Vice President Njie-Saidy also said President Jammeh and the government and people of The Gambia will continue to support Taiwan's participation in the international community. The Gambia's representative to the United Nations will address the General Assembly in the middle of September and speak up for Taiwan, she said. She said that this is an issue of fairness and justice. The vice president added that entry into the United Nations is more than just the desire of the people of Taiwan. She believes Taiwan is able to make a valuable contribution to the world.