(JollofNews) – Philippines’ envoy to the Gambia has arrived in Banjul on a short visit aimed at improving greater economic and commercial ties the two countries.
Jose A. Cabrera, who also covers Nigeria, arrived in Banjul on Saturday and is holding a series of meetings with senior government officials, the private sector and the Filipino community in Banjul.
“My visit will hopefully open other new greater economic ties like education between the two countries in the area of investment and socio-economic development,” he told journalists at the Kairaba Beach Hotel.
He added: “Since I arrived in the country, I have enjoyed the hospitality of the country and I can vividly say that Gambians are nice people and my visit will also avail me the opportunity to identify opportunities for cooperation between the Philippine and the Islamic Republic of the Gambia that will be built on mutual benefit for both countries.”
Ambassador Cabrera, commended President Jammeh for the rapid development he has undertaken since 1994. He described the Gambia as a tourism destination with very friendly people.
The Gambia has cordial bilateral relations with Philippines. In June 2005 Gambian President Yahya Jammeh, visited the Southeast Asian nation and had bilateral talks with former Philippine president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
During the visit, Mr Jammeh expressed support and advocated for the Philippines bid to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). He also proposed a joint oil exploration and offered one block out of the five oil deposits in the Gambia to the Philippines to be developed in the proposed joint oil exploration.
