China pledges cooperation with Gambia in several areas

Premier Li Keqiang cited China's willingness to promote pragmatic cooperation with the West African nation during a meeting with Gambian President Adama Barrow in Beijing on Friday.

Barrow is in China for his first trip as president at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

China's Premier Li Keqiang (4th R) talks with Gambian President Adama Barrow (3rd L) during a meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Dec. 22, 2017. /Reuters Photo

China is ready, Li said, to continue providing support and assistance to the economic and social development in Gambia.

Li said the resumption of diplomatic relations between the two countries opened a new page, and the meeting between Xi and Barrow on Thursday injected new impetus into the development of the bilateral relations.

China and Gambia resumed bilateral relations in March 2016, after a break of some 20 years, after Gambia announced it would stick to the one-China policy which asserts that Taiwan is part of China.

"I hope Gambia will firmly pursue the one-China policy. China is ready to push forward the development of the bilateral relations between the two countries in line with the principle of mutual respect and equality," Li said.

Barrow said he appreciated China's long-term support and assistance. He said Gambia will firmly stick to the one-China policy and is willing to cooperate with China to open a new chapter in the development of bilateral relations.

The Gambian leader arrived on Wednesday and leaves Tuesday.

(CGTN)