Gambia, China sign deal to instal security inspection equipment at Banjul international airport

Banjul, Gambia (PANA) - The Gambia and China have signed a deal for the installation of security inspection equipment at the Banjul International Airport, official sources said on Wednesday.

The deal for the equipment was signed at the Chinese Embassy in Bijilo, by the Gambian Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, Dr. Mamadou Tangara, and the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China, Ma Jianchun.

Under the deal, it was agreed between the two Governments that China will send technical experts to The Gambia to install the equipment, commissioning and technical guidance; the cost of the equipment will be covered by the grant in the Agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation in the form of Gratuitous Assistance between the two Governments.

As part of the agreement, Gambia will send personnel to attend the training session organised by Chinese experts.

Dr. Tangara thanked the Chinese Government on behalf of President Adama Barrow.

He highlighted the importance of security, noting that it is paramount for the development of any country.

He added that since The Gambia will be hosting the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation conference in 2021, it is necessary to improve security at the airport. 

He renewed Gambia's commitment to strengthen relations and cooperation with China.

Ambassador Ma Jianchun expressed delight and assured that relations between the two countries will move to greater heights. He informed that the equipment would arrive in March 2020.

-0- PANA MSS/VAO 18Sept2019