Bangladesh and The Gambia have signed a diplomatic visa exemption agreement, emphasizing The Gambia’s commitment to supporting the Rohingya cause. The Gambian Foreign Minister confirmed their advocacy at the ICJ while both nations plan to enhance cooperation in various sectors, including agriculture and peacekeeping, for broader mutual benefits.
Bangladesh and The Gambia have established a significant diplomatic milestone by signing a visa exemption agreement specifically for holders of diplomatic and official passports. This agreement was formalized during a signing ceremony held at the Secretariat, which also reinforced The Gambia’s steadfast support for Bangladesh regarding the Rohingya crisis.
Dr. Mamadou Tangara, Gambia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, acknowledged the hospitality received from Bangladesh and reiterated the country’s commitment to advocating for the rights of the Rohingya people. As the chair of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), The Gambia is determined to champion the Rohingya cause at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Tangara emphasized the need for accountability and restoration of fundamental rights for the Rohingya community.
He commended Bangladesh’s efforts to host over a million Rohingya refugees and assured ongoing legal and diplomatic support. Tangara noted the progress made at the ICJ but highlighted that the struggle for justice continues and requires collective international efforts to ensure a sustainable solution.
At the event, he mentioned productive discussions held at the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) and underscored the necessity for the Rohingya issue to remain a priority on the global agenda. Tangara advocated for enhanced cooperation in agriculture and peacekeeping missions between the two nations.
The minister praised Bangladesh’s progress in achieving food self-sufficiency and expressed interest in learning from their expertise, while suggesting that collaboration in agriculture could be mutually beneficial. He also remarked on the importance of global interdependence, drawing lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic and the need for united efforts in addressing global challenges like the Rohingya crisis.
Lt Gen (Retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Bangladesh’s Home Adviser, recognized The Gambia’s courageous stance on the Rohingya issue and emphasized the importance of ongoing international support. He reiterated that the Rohingya situation transcends regional boundaries, presenting a challenge that necessitates a global humanitarian response.
Further, he projected optimism for expanded cooperation in various sectors beyond the Rohingya issue, identifying potential areas such as trade, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals. Chowdhury acknowledged the contributions made by both parties in finalizing the agreement and expressed hopes for sustained collaboration in future initiatives.
The signing ceremony concluded with both nations reaffirming their commitment to work together, pursuing justice for the Rohingya people while also striving for deeper diplomatic and economic cooperation moving forward.
The Gambia and Bangladesh have strengthened their bilateral relations through a newly signed visa exemption agreement. This agreement highlights The Gambia’s unwavering commitment to support the Rohingya people and advocate for their rights at the international level. Both countries aim to enhance cooperation in agriculture, peacekeeping, and other key sectors, reinforcing their partnership in addressing humanitarian challenges and promoting sustainable development.
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