12th May 2004:

"Our relations are not based on what you did for us", Jammeh tells ROC Diplomat.

The President Yahya Jammeh has emphasised that the Gambia will always stand by the people in all international fora they are recognised by the United Nations and other international bodies. He told the Taiwanese Ambassador that our relations are not based on what his country did for The Gambia, but the man to see that truth reveals.

President Jammeh was speaking in his Office on Wednesday when the Taiwanese Ambassador Dr Edgar presented him a cheque for $300,000 as their half yearly contribution to the county's health sector. Ambassador Lin who is on his third year in the Gambia as a diplomat, said it is sometimes easy to find money, but his country China is to make sure that there is a sustainable medical service in the Gambia. He thanked the Health Secretary Dr Yankuba Kassama in maintaining the health of the Gambian people, pointing out that it was President Jammeh's wise leadership that makes sure that people's health in this country is taken care of. Receiving the cheque, the President thanked the Taiwanese Ambassador and through him to his brother Chen Shun-Bian president elected of Taiwan and the entire Taiwanese population for their kind gesture. This presentation according to the Gambian leader is important for a variety of reasons, adding that the Taiwanese have demonstrated that they are true friends of the Gambia. He said there couldn't be any meaningful development without a healthy nation, and he who is consistent in assisting the Gambia to ensure better health for all and none Gambians is definitely a true friend and brother of this nation. Therefore on behalf of all Gambians and none Gambians who are benefiting from this gesture, the President salutes to all Taiwanese people and government for what he described as a wonderful humanitarian gesture.

International field
With regards to the role Taiwan can play on the international scene, President Jammeh wondered why the rights of human beings are mortgage for the rights of commerce, adding that he knows well that each time he goes to United Nations general assembly and other international fora, some people don't like what he says, but said he will say it, because it is his right. President Jammeh who spoke at length on Taiwan, said people tend to ignore Taiwan's historical facts, pointing out that it is one of the first Asian republics. And that if Taiwan was part of Mainland China why then Mao Chen, one of the greatest communist leaders in China did not extend his cultural revolution to Taiwan? The president asked.

Democracy
But coming to our present stare when people are talking about democracy and human rights, the President said this is the area where the United Nations has fail the humanity. The UN according to the Gambian leader was created to put an end to war around the world, and was quick to add that what is even amazing is that the same UN is playing a leading role in ensuring that 23 million Taiwanese are denied their rights to the international organisations. But assured the Taiwanese diplomat that we in the Gambia always believe that one day Taiwan will be free, and added that if you want to force 23 million people to be a citizen of another country, what type of peace are you talking about. The President said he believes that all peace loving people in the world would stand by Taiwan and ensure that their sovereignty is not compromised, because of commercial interest. The President even proposed that if all smaller nations allowed the world come together and stand by Taiwan, the country will soon see its very out, because that would constitute a bigger voice of the world.

Gambia's health sector
With regards to the health sector, the President said he wants all Gambians to understand that 98 percent of what the country is receiving in the medical sector comes from Taiwan, and said without the intervention of the Taiwanese government, he wonder how many Cuban doctors Gambia would be able to sustain. He commended Taiwan for also providing the Gambia with what he described as very quality Ambulances that have really done a great deal in the health delivery system. He informed the Taiwanese envoy that before he took over this country in 1994, the country's infant mortality rate was among the highest in Sub-Sahara Africa, and was happy to report that today with the help of Taiwan and other collaborators, the infant mortality rate is one of the lowest in this part of the world. Infact according to President Jammeh, on the general health perspective, the Gambia ranked at the top even in the face of developed countries. In conclusion, President Jammeh said he is optimistic that not too distant future, true loving humanity will stand by Taiwan and ensure that justice is done.

Bilateral Relations
The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Baboucarr Blaise Jagne also speaking at the ceremony, described the gift as a happy occasion, which usually matches the level of friendship between Taiwan and the Gambia. He recalled meeting with Ambassador Lin before the presentation on the state of our bilateral relations and how to move forward, particularly in our legitimate aspirations to play a more active role in the international political seen. He of course reminded the Ambassador that President Jammeh always asked them as secretaries of state where ever they are especially international forum, to press ahead with Taiwan's agenda, because this great country have something to after to the international community. SOS Jagne informed the Taiwanese Ambassador that his colleague the health secretary Dr Yankuba Gassama, a member of the executive board of WHO currently in Geneva for the World Health Assembly will press ahead for Taiwan's membership on behalf of the Gambian people. SOS Jagne stated that when it comes to health, we have to put aside politics and think that this time round, Dr Gassama will be able to get more friends to understand that the participation of Taiwan in WHO board or any other UN body will only contribute to our efforts globally to make this world a better place for all. But with regards to our bilateral relations SOS Jagne described the gift as a wonderful gesture, pointing out that health was one of the pillars of this government since 1994, and President Jammeh immediately put in place a plan of action to make sure that Gambia's health delivery system becomes one of the best in Africa. He also assured the Taiwanese envoy that the Gambia will continue to work with them to make other milestones and under the leadership of President Jammeh Gambia will do all it can to get more people understand that Taiwan has a lot to offer to the rest of the world.

Reported by Momodou Trawally