20-24 June 2005:

The Gambia has endorsed Philippines pending application for observer status in the global bloc of Islamic countries, Foreign Affairs minister Musa Gibriel Bala Gaye confirms. Gaye confirmed on Monday, shortly after arrival in Manila, Philippines on a three-day official visit there with President Jammeh.

SOS Gaye said that he personally gave the assurance that Gambia, an influential member of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC), will make representations in the OIC for the inclusion of the Philippines as an observer.

Gambia’s support is a big boost for the Philippines bid for observer status in the OIC since Gambia is the chairman of the committee in the OIC, which handles the proposed restructuring of the OIC.
The OIC is currently deliberating on a proposal that more stricter qualifications be imposed on countries aspiring to join the global bloc of Islamic countries.

The OIC is considering imposing stricter qualifications for countries applying for membership, including qualifications that the applying country have Islam as the predominant religion, and that Muslims constitute the majority of a country’s population.

SOS Gaye is accompanying Gambian President Yahya A. J. J. Jammeh who arrived in the Philippines last night for a three-day visit.

President Jammeh’s visit aims to improve economic relations between the two countries, and create stronger ties between the private sectors.

Meanwhile, Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo has said that Yemen and Kuwait have expressed support for the Philippines application for observer status in the OIC as the Islamic bloc prepares for the 37th Foreign ministers of the OIC this month in Yemen.

The Republic of the Philippines and Gambia share many concerns, from securing continuing development, ensuring responsiveness and representation in government, and promoting peace and interfaith-intercultural understanding, commonalities that are expected to be made more pronounced by the visit of President Jammeh, who is scheduled to have discussions with government leaders, especially President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, on bilateral concerns.

During the visit of The Gambian President, the two countries will establish a mechanism for joint consultations on bilateral as well as on regional and global issues of common concern.

The Gambian President Jammeh arrived at around 5 p.m. at Villamor Air Base for his state visit to the Philippines from June 20 to 24 which will focus on establishing closer relations between the Philippines and The Gambia.