By Fatou Dahaba
The Gambia hosted a high-profile diplomatic dinner at the Coco Ocean Resort in Banjul, celebrating key achievements in international relations during 2025 and outlining ambitious priorities for 2026.
Organised by The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, the event brought together a distinguished array of guests for a diplomatic dinner at the Coco Ocean Resort, highlighting The Gambia’s strengthened global standing and laying out plans to expand its international footprint in the year ahead.
The event served as both a reflection on a productive 2025 and a platform to reinforce partnerships essential to national development, peace-building, and regional integration.
Among the attendees were Vice President Muhammed BS Jallow, cabinet ministers, resident diplomats, senior government officials, private sector leaders, development partners, civil society representatives, academics, and media professionals.
In his address, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Gambians Abroad, Hon. Sering Modou Njie, underscored the value of regional and global cooperation. He highlighted high-level engagements with partners, including Senegal, Nigeria, and the United Nations, as well as The Gambia’s role in convening important forums such as the inaugural Sahel Governance Forum.
Looking inward, the minister announced reforms to professionalize the diplomatic corps, including the launch of a Sub-Intensive Training Programme and the establishment of a Foreign Service Academy in 2026. Externally, priorities include opening three new embassies and hosting the 10th Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Ministerial Conference on Agriculture and Food Security in Banjul during the first quarter of 2026.
Reflecting on 2025, Minister Njie described The Gambia as having solidified its position on the global stage, particularly through deepened ties with China, a longstanding development partner. Collaborative projects advanced infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, and trade, including new export channels for cashew and granite, as well as grants supporting agriculture and governance initiatives.
The year also saw the revitalization of diplomatic relations with Iran after a two-decade hiatus, the signing of a sports cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia, Turkish financial support for capacity-building at the International Court of Justice, and the second Foreign Office Political Consultation.
Vice President Muhammed BS Jallow emphasized the critical role of principled dialogue and peaceful cohesion in promoting stability and African integration, particularly via the African Union. He reaffirmed The Gambia’s dedication to aligning international partnerships with national priorities to deliver tangible improvements in citizens’ livelihoods.
The vice president highlighted key focus areas for sustainable progress: human capital development, inclusive economic growth, climate resilience, food and nutrition security, energy access, infrastructure enhancement, and stronger institutions—all vital for long-term development and social harmony.
As 2026 begins, he urged stakeholders to unite in goodwill, mutual respect, and a shared dedication to peace and prosperity.
The dinner provided an opportunity to review the Ministry’s 2025 diplomatic engagements, bolster existing alliances, and reaffirm The Gambia’s commitment to multilateral cooperation. It also facilitated networking, showcasing recent successes while presenting forward-looking goals to secure continued support and collaboration from partners.
