The Russian Ambassador to the Gambia Alexandra Shulgin has announced that in a few months time, there would be chartered Russian tourist flights coming to the Gambia. He reveals that it has been his ambition for Russian tourists to visit The Gambia since his arrival because he said his country's tourists spend lot of money on tourism which will have a great impact on the Gambian economy.

Ambassador Shulgin made these remarks as he bade the President Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya A J J Jammeh farewell at the end of a 3 year tenure.

Speaking to the press after his discussion with the Gambian leader, Ambassador Shulgin expressed appreciation to President Jammeh's development agenda: and sound economic policy which has stabilise the Dalasi (the national currency) in spite of the global economic meltdown.

Ambassador Shulgin informed the press that last year four officers from the ministry of interior were given the possibility to have a full training package course on investigation, operations and anti-terrorist, as part of a package solely financed by the Russian Government.

Shulgin further stated that they also have an inter government agreement and President Jammeh has strongly emphasized the creation of joint ventures in various business undertaking.

Ambassador Shulgin also promised to do his best to meet the best wishes of the president before leaving the country. He described President Jammeh as a charismatic leader with a strong vision for his country.

Ambassador Shulgin said Russia is setting-up a Special Federal Agency designed to provide some substantial help in development in the areas of education, infrastructure, fisheries and healthcare.

In a separate engagement, the outgoing Zambian Ambassador designated to The Gambia, H.E. Godfrey C. Musonda also bade farewell to President Professor Sheikh Alhaji Dr. Yahya Jammeh at State House at the end of his five year tenure of office.

Speaking to journalists after his audience with President Jammeh, Ambassador Musonda explained that during his meeting with President Jammeh they talked about how to further strengthen the relationship between Zambia and The Gambia, as the two countries share a lot of things in common.

Ambassador Musonda said that they are waiting to see the Gambian leader's visit to Zambia, so that our two leaders can go a step further to sign certain protocols that would begin activities between the countries.

"There are already existing cooperations between our two countries in the area of Tourism as The Gambia and Zambia are very strong in tourism sector which we can share skills, ideas and training to be able to handle tourism more efficiently and effectively, also in Agriculture which is a key to alleviate poverty", he noted.

"The two countries are seriously considering His Excellency's visit to Zambia so that when the time comes they would be able to sign these protocols and in many other areas of common endeavour", stated Ambassador Musonda. He said that education is one of those as well as human endeavour to serve one's country.

Adding that “President Jammeh has done a lot of progress in his country and I congratulate him for that but what really impresses me much about Gambia is the nature of the Gambian people, their hospitality and their receptiveness during my five year term as Ambassador”.