In a continued effort to strengthen international cooperation between The Gambia and other nations, His Excellency President Adama Barrow, on September 16, 2025, received the Letters of Credence of Ambassadors of The Philippines and Namibia to The Gambia, H.E. Mersole J. Mellejor and H.E Richard Stanley Tsandid, at the State House in Banjul.
H.E. Mersole J. Mellejor, the Philippines’ Ambassador to The Gambia outlined collaborations between the two countries in higher education, food security, agriculture, and the maritime industry.
He expressed his enthusiasm to work closely with the Gambian Government, highlighting the cordial bilaterial relationship and broader South-South Cooperation.
Ambassador Mellejor felicitated President Adama Barrow for The Gambia’s support to The Philippines’ candidature to the United Nations Security Council and the International Maritime Organisation’s Category C.
President Barrow congratulated Ambassador Mersole J. Mellejor on his appointment, affirming The Gambia’s full support for the success of his tenure.
He observed that “a lot of agreements were signed and now it is time to put them to action for the benefits of the peoples of The Philippines and The Gambia.”
The cooperation agreements on agriculture and vocational training will promote skills transfer in rice production and boost the capacities of Gambian seafarers. General trade is another area to explore considering the shared colonial experience, history and cultural backgrounds as catalysts for a better understanding.
Presenting his Letters of Credence, the Namibian Ambassador to The Gambia, H.E. Richard Stanley Tsandid, pointed out the strong historical bond between the two countries.
During his tour of duty, the Ambassador aims to deepen cooperation in agriculture, food security, youth and sports, creative industries and other areas of mutual socio-economic interests.
Ambassador Tsandid thanked The Gambia for supporting Namibia’s independence movement which is testament of the shared belief in Pan-Africanism and commitment to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) economic blueprint.
In welcoming Ambassador Tsandid, President Barrow emphasised the relevance of AfCFTA in promoting African integration through trade in goods and services as well as the movement of people across the continent.
The President commiserated with the Government and people of Namibia on the passing of their former president, Dr. Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma “who was a good friend”, applauding them for their democratic credentials.
“Your institutions and democracy are strong that is why your transition was smooth. Having the first female President is advantageous. We have a ‘New Gambia’ and as we are building stronger foundations, we are willing to partner with Namibia and our other sister African countries for the African Union Agenda 2063.” President Barrow added.
