President Barrow Receives Letters of Credence From the Ambassadors of Cuba, France, Canada & Malta.
By Timilehin Ajibade
On Tuesday, 13th May, 2025, His Excellency President Adama Barrow received the diplomatic credentials from diplomats of the Republic of Cuba, H.E. Carmelina Ramirez Rodriguez; France, H.E. Christine Fage; Canada, H.E. Marcel Lebleu and Malta, H.E. Domenico Giani.
According to a statement from the State House in Gambia, “these presentations officially mark the beginning of their diplomatic missions in The Gambia, highlighting the country’s commitment to foster international partnerships”.
President Adama Barrow conveyed his salutations to the leaders of the Republic of Cuba, France, Canada and the Order of Malta through the new Ambassadors and High Commissioner who presented their Credentials to him.
The Gambian President congratulated the new diplomats, and commended the cooperation between The Gambia and their countries and assured them of his commitment to strengthen their bilateral relations.
Her Excellency Carmelina Ramirez Rodriguez of Cuba was the first to present her credentials to President Barrow and had discussions with him on issues of mutual interest and benefit of the two States. The diplomatic relations between The Gambia and Cuba have consistently stable and positive since the First Republic. Due to its strong healthcare system, Cuba has been providing technical assistance to The Gambia in health and medicine.
Moreover, Cuban medical doctors, specialists and other health professionals have served in Gambian hospitals, clinics and health centres across The Gambia, providing crucial support to The Gambia’s healthcare system. Cuba has also been offering scholarships to Gambians to pursue higher education in the medical, engineering and other technical areas.
The second to present was Her Excellency Christine Fages, Ambassador of the Republic of France. She expressed gratitude for officially tendering her credentials to President Barrow.
The Gambia and France share a long-standing collaboration characterized by mutual respect and friendship. This relationship between the two countries has fostered significant development in The Gambia across several critical sectors including climate change and biodiversity protection, economic stabilization and governance as well as access to clean drinking water.
His Excellency Marcel Lebleu, the Canadian High Commissioner to The Gambia, was the third diplomat to present his letter of credence to President Barrow. Key areas of cooperation between The Gambia and Canada encompass the transitional justice process, human rights advancement, the Security Sector Reform and social justice in line with TRRC recommendations. Canada remains a close ally in education and institutional collaboration, agriculture, food security and The Gambia’s pursuit of justice in the Rohingya case.
Similarly, His Excellency Domenico Giani, Ambassador of the Order of Malta, expressed delight as the first Ambassador of Malta to The Gambia to deliver his credentials to President Barrow. He highlighted Malta’s dedication to the rule of order in building cordial relations with countries and organizations, promoting development and enhancing support to those in need.
Each of the Ambassadors were accorded quarter-guard upon arrival at the State House in respect of diplomatic norm, reiterating their commitment to strengthening relations with The Gambia.
Their cooperation is based on mutual benefit and exploring new opportunities.
