The Gambia government recently joined the United Kingdom through the British High Commission to the Gambia to formally celebrate the birthday of His Majesty King Charles III.
The occasion was organised by the British High Commission in The Gambia in the form of a reception which brought together government officials, members of the diplomatic corps and friends of the United Kingdom.
In her speech, Harriet King, British High Commissioner to The Gambia, stated that the occasion was also designed to rejoice the enduring friendship between The Gambia and the United Kingdom.
She said the relationship between both countries was built on shared history, mutual respect, and a vision for a brighter future.
This year’s King’s Birthday Party carries a special theme: Health and Wellbeing, which speaks to the heart of both nations’ shared priorities, she said.
“Good health is the foundation of prosperity, and wellbeing is the measure of a thriving society,” she states. “From our support to the Medical Research Council and Horizons Trust, to our work with civil society and UN partners on women’s health and rights, we are committed to helping build a healthier, more resilient Gambia.”
Both nations would continue to explore new partnerships and initiatives that promote wellbeing for all, she said, adding that they focus on working with The Gambia to improve lives, especially in health, education, and the empowerment and rights of women and girls.
“As Development Partners, we need to ensure we are exactly that – Partners. We must commit to having honest, equal and close partnerships with our Gambian counterparts from the outset, and work together to ensure that the impact we have is genuinely what is needed, and is valuable, measurable and sustainable,” she noted.
She applauds The Gambia’s tourism sector, saying it is rich in natural and cultural treasures, offering exciting opportunities for growth.
As development partners, she notes, they are eager to support investment, trade, and export initiatives that unlock The Gambia’s potential.
For his part, Foreign Affairs Minister Sering Modou Njie said the annual celebration of the King’s birthday in Banjul stands as a testament to the enduring bond between The Gambia and the UK.
The bond between both countries is rooted in mutual respect, deepened by shared history and sustained by their common aspirations for peace, democracy, and prosperity, the Minister noted.
Over the years, he highlighted, The Gambia-United Kingdom partnership has continued to go from strength to strength, anchored in cooperation across critical sectors such as education, health, governance, security, climate action, and sustainable development.
Minister Njie further applauded the UK’s steadfast support for The Gambia’s democratic transition and institutional reforms, as well as its partnership in building resilient institutions and expanding opportunities for Gambia’s youth.
“Programmes such as the Chevening Scholarships have opened doors for Gambian students to pursue higher education in some of the world’s leading universities, returning home to contribute to national progress as teachers, entrepreneurs, public servants, and change-makers,” he commended the UK.
He congratulated His Majesty King Charles III for his enduring commitment to environmental protection, sustainable agriculture, interfaith understanding, and youth empowerment.
The Foreign minister also said The Gambia “stands with readiness to work with the United Kingdom and the wider Commonwealth” to advance shared priorities, from accelerating climate adaptation in vulnerable communities, to investing in the potential of young people and promoting inclusive growth that leaves no one behind.
