Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – In a significant move to bolster international relations and enhance educational cooperation, The Gambia’s Foreign Minister, Mamadou Tangara, has confirmed to Russian state-owned news agency, Sputnik, his attendance at the upcoming Russia-Africa ministerial meeting in Sochi this autumn.

Tangara’s announcement follows his visit to Moscow earlier this year, where he held discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, focusing on the potential for increased educational collaboration.

During his January visit, Tangara emphasized the importance of human resources for The Gambia, highlighting the nation’s commitment to developing a skilled workforce. “For us, the most valuable resource we have is the human resources,” he stated, underscoring the country’s dedication to nurturing its human capital through enhanced educational opportunities.

Russia has a longstanding history of supporting African nations, and The Gambia is keen to deepen this relationship. Tangara expressed gratitude for Russia’s past assistance and optimism about future cooperation. “Russia has trained many Africans who are in various fields and who are occupying key positions in their nations. And in a very difficult period, Russia came to the help of Africa, and we are grateful for that. And of course, training more Africans will go a long way in strengthening the bonds between Russia and Africa,” he noted.

The Gambian government is particularly interested in expanding scholarship opportunities for its students, aiming to leverage Russian expertise in various academic and technical disciplines. This aligns with the broader goals articulated during the II International Forum of Education Ministers, held in Kazan, Russia, on June 10-11. At the forum, the then Minister of Basic and Secondary Education, Haddy Jatou Sey, stressed the importance of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) programs.

Sey highlighted the need for alternative educational systems to equip Gambian youth with the practical skills required for the labor market. The Gambian delegation’s participation in the Kazan forum underscored the country’s proactive approach to seeking international partnerships that can enhance its educational framework and address the challenges of youth unemployment.

As The Gambia prepares for the Russia-Africa ministerial meeting in Sochi, the focus remains on fostering educational ties that will create a competent and valuable human resource base. The continued collaboration with Russia is seen as a strategic step towards achieving this goal, with the promise of mutual benefits for both nations.

The upcoming ministerial meeting is expected to further cement these bilateral relations, paving the way for more significant educational exchanges and cooperation.