The European Union Ambassador and Head of Delegation in The Gambia, Ms. Immaculada Roca I Cortes, paid a courtesy call yesterday on Honorable Abdoulie Jobe, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, in his office in Banjul.
The ambassador and her delegation were at the Ministry to strengthen the already existing relationship between the government of the Gambia and the EU, especially in the areas of tourism, arts, and culture.
Speaking during the meeting held at the Minister’s office, Ambassador Cortes stated that tourism is one of the key sectors of the economy of the Gambia that needs to be supported to make the sector vibrant.
She therefore stated that the EU would support the country’s drive in its endeavors for a more resilient and diversified tourism sector, which could create more employment opportunities for the youth and women of the Gambia.
She also mentioned the recently launched EU-Youth Empowerment Project- Tourism and Creative Industries, which she said is a good initiative for the power of the Gambia, especially for those in the tourism sector.
“This project is for five years, and it is expected to create more jobs and skills development for the young of this country,” she stated.
Ambassador Cortes further mentioned her office’s collaboration and continued support to the tourism sector and other key development agendas of the government of the Gambia.
On receiving the Ambassador and delegation, Honorable Abdoulie Jobe, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, thanked the Ambassador for the visit and reassured her of his Ministry’s support and cooperation at all times.
Minister Jobe stated that the government of the Gambia is committed to the full implementation of the EU-Youth Empowerment Project, and that all hands will be on deck to support the project.
“We are very happy to receive you. Already, we have a very wonderful relationship with the EU team here on the ground, and we hope this will continue to reach higher heights. This project will create more jobs, increase the number of tourist arrivals as well,” he said.
He concluded by saying that there is a new partnership in place now, which will also capture the private sector’s participation in the tourism sector as a very key player.
By Lamin Njie
Communications Officer
Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture