The newly appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, Honorable Sering Modou Njie, on Wednesday 16th July 2025 held his inaugural virtual meeting with Gambian Ambassadors, High Commissioners, and diplomatic staff serving across the globe.
The meeting, conducted via Zoom at 15:00 GMT, brought together heads of mission for the formal introduction of the new Minister, presentation of his strategic vision, and the establishment of a platform for sustained consultation and collaboration between the Ministry and Gambian missions abroad.
The session commenced with opening remarks by the Master of Ceremony, Mrs. Mariam Khan Jallow, Director of European Affairs. This was followed by self-introductions from participating Ambassadors, High Commissioners, and other diplomats.
Delivering the welcoming address, Ambassador Lang Yabou, Permanent Secretary I at the Ministry, emphasized the institutionโs commitment to teamwork, professionalism, service excellence, and effective coordination between headquarters and diplomatic missions.
In his keynote remarks, Hon. Minister Sering Modou Njie outlined his leadership priorities, focusing on a results-driven and people-centered approach to foreign service. He highlighted the following key foreign policy objectives:
โช๏ธ A clear and focused foreign policy direction aligned with The Gambiaโs national interests and development agenda
โช๏ธ Strengthened institutional performance and efficiency of Gambian diplomatic missions
โช๏ธ Clear expectations for ambassadors and diplomatic staff, including enhanced visibility, responsiveness, and accountability
โช๏ธ A revitalized approach to diaspora engagement, positioning the Gambian diaspora as an essential development partner.
The meeting continued with an open-floor discussion, during which heads of mission provided comments, raised questions, and offered suggestions. Participants welcomed the initiative, with several describing the session as a โpositive and unifying stepโ toward more inclusive diplomacy and improved coordination between the Ministry and missions abroad.
In her remarks, Permanent Secretary II, Ms. Fatou Kinneh Jobe, who joined the meeting remotely while on official duties, extended her appreciation to the diplomatic service for their continued commitment and professionalism. She also reiterated the Ministryโs dedication to strengthening collaboration with Gambian missions across all regions.
In his closing remarks, Ambassador Yabou expressed gratitude to the Gambian diplomats abroad for their active participation and reaffirmed the Ministryโs commitment to ongoing engagement, operational support, and strategic leadership.
The Ministry also announced plans to institutionalize quarterly engagements between the Minister and heads of mission and to introduce a digital platform aimed at enhancing communication, reporting, and resource management across the diplomatic service.
This inaugural meeting marks the beginning of a new chapter in The Gambiaโs foreign service one guided by dialogue, professionalism, accountability, and strategic engagement with partners both at home and abroad.
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