Your Excellency, Mr. Ding Xuexiang, Vice Premier of the State Council and Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee,
Your Excellency, President William Ruto, the African Co-Chair of the High-Level meeting on High Quality Belt and Road Cooperation.
Your Excellencies, Heads of State and Government, Honourable Ministers, Members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
In associating ourselves with the collective view of other African States, The Gambia acknowledges China’s unwavering support to Africa’s development journey and representation in inter-governmental organisations. This acknowledgement includes China’s instrumental efforts for the African Union’s (AU) representation in the G20 Forum.
Africa’s representation in the Forum amplifies the call for equitable participation in decision-making in such important international bodies. The Gambia, therefore, reiterates its solidarity with China and its commitment to pursuing matters of mutual interest and concern to both parties.
The friendship and bilateral relations between our two countries have grown progressively over the years and have risen to the level of ‘Strategic Partnership.’
Through participation in FOCAC, The Gambia has received various capacity-building support, infrastructural projects, and economic assistance to complement our development endeavours. Strategically, in pursuance of my government’s development priorities, we have made sure that our National Development Plan (2023-2027) is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 and the AU Development Agenda 2063.
The Gambia thus joins the African Group in thanking China for its willingness to strengthen cooperation with Africa in key priority areas of the AU Agenda 2063 Implementation Plan, which pursues similar objectives as the China-Africa Cooperation Vision 2035.
The Framework Agreement on Economic Partnership for Shared Development between China and Africa in Agriculture, Trade, Investment, and other related fields will surely contribute to addressing Africa’s urgent need to attract investment. Furthermore, we welcome its huge potential to accelerate the continent’s crucial industrialisation and agricultural modernisation process.
The Framework is additionally expected to promote high-quality economic development envisaged from our respective National Development strategies.
These aside, it is evident that Africa’s participation in global industrial development drive, global supply chain management, and economic cooperation will manifestly improve.
We equally appreciate that this cooperation will facilitate China’s goal of promoting high-quality economic development and building an open world economy for shared development.
Excellencies, Distinguished Guests,
Reflecting on this Summit's theme: "High Quality Belt And Road Initiative," The Government of The Republic of The Gambia associates itself with BRI. Inspired by ancient Silk Road routes extending beyond Eurasia into Africa and Latin America among others.
I have noted that one hundred fifty-one countries (151) countries along with thirty-two (32) International Organisations signed agreements under BRI framework investing notably into seaports railway lines renewable energy sectors totaling US$21.7 billion investments recorded back 2023 confirming substantial grounds gained since launch back 2013
Significantly too BRI does not only enhance connectivity but also benefits Africa growth through various industries In particular within Gambian context China's support implementing Greater Banjul Area Power Transmission Distribution Modernisation Project demonstrates scope developmental outlook Initiative project being important measure taken implement Gambian Energy Planning Roadmap Similarly China Aid Road Bridges Project Upper River Region connecting key sections Gambian National Highway Network aimed promoting economic well-being Gambian people
Excellencies Distinguished Guests
Gambia welcomes President XI's high-quality Belt Road Cooperation announced during Third Belt Road Forum International Cooperation held October eighteenth two thousand twenty-three Priority areas such renewable energy healthcare technology re-modelling BRI investments tactically designed yield long-term benefits local communities aligns neatly AU agenda two thousand sixty-three Amid considerable shifts Government Gambia believes major schemes addressing Global Development Security Civilisation AI Governance proposed Beijing Initiative Belt Road Digital Cooperation dually contribute China's solution global governance utilisation resources skills improve well-being humanity
Excellencies Distinguished Guests
Government Gambia renews commitment One China Principle seizes opportunity congratulate China once again seventieth Anniversary Five Principles Peaceful Co-existence commend adhering same principles relations Africa Thank Foreign Ministers dedicated efforts towards Action Plan While welcoming Republics Congo Equatorial Guinea co-chairs twenty-twenty-four twenty-twenty-seven respectively sincerely thank Republic Senegal outgoing co-chair commendable work
Finally allow me express delegation profound gratitude Government People Republic China invitation hospitality accorded us
I thank you all.
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