In a bid to strengthen relations and strategic partnerships between Qatar and the African continent, the Gambian President Adama Barrow arrived in Qatar yesterday for a three-day official visit.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani is scheduled to meet with the Gambian President at the Amiri Diwan today to discuss ways to enhance bilateral relations in different fields, besides issues of common concern.

The visit results from the keenness of both countries to cement and further develop their bilateral relations, which have been witnessing outstanding development for years.

President of the Gambia arrives in Doha for a three-day official visit, and was greeted upon arrival at Hamad International Airport by the Minister of Municipality and Environment, the Ambassador of Qatar to the Gambia and the Gambia's Ambassador to Qatar. #QNA pic.twitter.com/z6n12efWZG

— Qatar News Agency (@QNAEnglish) September 10, 2019

Qatar and Gambia's diplomatic relations go back to as early as 1978 reflected in non-resident representation, which was later developed with the opening of embassies in each other's countries.

The two countries further developed relations with mutual visits, exchange of views, co-ordination, and consultation on issues of common concern.

Qatar and Gambia have signed many agreements and Memorandums of Understanding.

The agreements comprise those between the foreign ministries, pertaining to the workforce, maritime navigation, avoidance of double taxation and prevention of financial evasion related to income taxes, economic, cultural, commercial and technical co-operation, and air services, and promotion and mutual protection of investments.

The MoUs also include one concerning the development of cooperation between the two countries in all educational and scientific fields. This includes higher education, scientific research, and technology through universities and institutions in both countries.

There is a twinning arrangement between Doha Municipality and Banjul City Municipality.

Qatar participated in the International Conference to Support Gambia, hosted by the European Commission in Brussels in May last year.

The conference was devoted to supporting national development after the election, which was won by President Barrow and the international donations amounted to 1.45bn euros.

Fulfilling its commitments to the Brussels Conference, Qatar and Gambia signed a $3mn grant agreement at the Qatar embassy in Banjul last October. The agreement aims to promote transitional justice and the rule of law and establish a comprehensive democracy in the Gambia.

Gambia is the smallest country in West Africa, with an area of just over 11,000sq km. It has a population of more than 1.5mn, of whom 90 percent are Muslims, and English is the official language.

Gambia's economy has improved significantly in recent years thanks to increased fiscal discipline and support from the international community.

Imports and exports have increased, with strong growth in the transport and construction sectors and telecommunications projects.

Gambia is keen to provide an appropriate environment to attract foreign investment and has many facilities to attract investment, especially in services, tourism, agriculture, real estate, and land development.

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Cover Image Credit and Source: QNA