The Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, H.E. Sering Modou Njie, on Tuesday, 27th January 2026, received the ChargΓ© dβAffaires ad interim of the United States Embassy in Banjul, H.E. Ambassador Eugene S. Young, for a cordial and constructive meeting aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation between The Gambia and the United States of America.
The discussions underscored the long-standing partnership between the two countries and their shared commitment to peace, security, development, and mutual respect.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Young expressed appreciation to The Gambia for its contribution to international peace and security, particularly its decision to deploy personnel to the United Nationsβmandated mission in Haiti. He also conveyed condolences on the recent tragic loss of lives involving migrants and emphasized the importance of continued collaboration to address irregular migration through public sensitisation and lawful migration pathways.
Both sides discussed current U.S. visa policies, including visa bonds and restrictions, and stressed the importance of Gambian nationals in the United States complying with visa conditions and immigration laws. In response, the Honourable Minister reaffirmed the Government of The Gambiaβs commitment to working closely with the United States, while underscoring the need for continued public awareness and cooperation on migration-related matters.
The Honourable Minister also expressed appreciation for U.S. support to The Gambiaβs development agenda, noting cooperation in key areas such as health, education, and institutional capacity-building. The U.S. Embassy highlighted the breadth of its support, including school feeding programmes, health interventions, technical assistance to government institutions, and the continued presence of the U.S. Peace Corps in The Gambia.
Discussions further covered visa-related matters, with both parties agreeing on the importance of open communication and mutual understanding, as well as sustained public education on immigration compliance.
On regional and international cooperation, particularly in relation to United Nations peacekeeping missions, the Honourable Minister thanked the United States for its support to The Gambiaβs participation in international peace efforts. He also called for continued collaboration in capacity-building, training of Gambian security forces, and support in critical operational enablers to ensure effective participation in such missions.
The meeting also touched on investment, digital connectivity, and private sector engagement, with both sides acknowledging the importance of creating an enabling environment for international partnerships and sustainable economic growth.
In concluding, both the Honourable Minister and the U.S. ChargΓ© dβAffaires reaffirmed their commitment to sustained dialogue and engagement, emphasizing that continued cooperation and mutual respect remain central to the strong and friendly relations between The Gambia and the United States.
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