The leadership congratulates Gambia on its Independence Day and strengthens bilateral relations
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Prime Minister, sent congratulatory cables to His Excellency President Adama Barrow of the Republic of The Gambia on the occasion of his country's Independence Day. This annual message of congratulations underscores the deep fraternal relations and strong ties that bind the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of The Gambia.
In his message, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques expressed his sincerest congratulations and best wishes for good health and happiness to His Excellency President Barrow, and for further progress and prosperity to the government and people of the Republic of The Gambia. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince also conveyed his heartfelt wishes for continued good health and happiness to His Excellency, and for continued development and prosperity to the government and people of The Gambia.
Historical background of Gambia's independence
The Republic of The Gambia, the smallest country on the African mainland, celebrates its Independence Day on February 18th each year. This day commemorates the country's independence from British colonial rule in 1965. The Gambia's journey to sovereignty was the culmination of decades of national struggle, during which prominent national figures led the liberation movement. Following independence, The Gambia joined the Commonwealth and remained under a constitutional monarchy for a brief period before becoming a fully-fledged republic in 1970 after a popular referendum. Since then, The Gambia has been striving to consolidate its democracy and achieve sustainable development for its people.
The importance of Saudi-Gambian relations
These diplomatic cables go beyond mere protocol, reflecting the strength of bilateral relations between Riyadh and Banjul, which are based on Islamic brotherhood and shared interests. Both countries are active members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and work together to promote Islamic solidarity and address the challenges facing the Muslim world. The Gambia’s regional role was recently highlighted by its successful hosting of the 15th OIC Islamic Summit in May 2024, reflecting the confidence of the international and Islamic communities in its leadership and its ability to organize major international events.
The continued support and congratulations from the Saudi leadership represent a moral and political boost for The Gambia, opening new horizons for cooperation in multiple fields, including economic development, investment, and cultural exchange. These diplomatic gestures also reinforce the Kingdom's position as a leader striving to promote stability and peace in Africa and the Islamic world, and underscore its foreign policy based on mutual respect and support for the sovereignty of sisterly and friendly nations.
