Chinese Embassy in Gambia and the Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) Jointly Host the Second China-Gambia Military Bantaba

On August 13, the Chinese Embassy in The Gambia and the Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) jointly hosted the Second China-Gambia Military Bantaba. H.E. Ambassador Liu Jin, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of the GAF Major General Ousman Gomez, Commander of the Gambia National Army Brigadier General Yaya Drammeh, Commander of the Gambia Navy Commodore Sambou Barrow, and Gambian officers training experiences in China attended the event.

H.E. Ambassador Liu Jin stated that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the resumption of diplomatic relations between China and The Gambia. Bilateral relations have been elevated to a strategic partnership. Fruitful outcomes have been reaped in many fields, with marked progress in military exchanges and cooperation. China will continue to support the capacity building of the GAF and deepen practical cooperation. He wished the departing trainees to China every success, and called on China and The Gambia to jointly work together to implement the Global Security Initiative.

CDS Ousman Gomez expressed gratitude for China's strong support on the development and capacity building of the GAF, and said that The Gambia look forward to further strengthening exchanges and cooperation with China to promote peace together. Gambian officers who had participated in training programs in China shared their experiences and reflections, while officers preparing to travel to China for training expressed their expectations.

The event was held in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Ambassador Liu Jin and CDS Ousman Gomez jointly inaugurated the newly constructed kitchen and mess facilities at the GAF Training School, planted a coconut tree of friendship.