Taiwanese delegation led by the Deputy Minister Andrew Shia Friday called on President Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr. Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh in a bid to hand over four Navy boats from the Government of Taiwan.

In receieving the navy boats, Sheikh Professor Jammeh thanked the delegation, President Ma Ying-Jeou and the people of Taiwan for what he called a significant contribution towards the development of the Gambia Navy.

The Gambian leader said he is very much concern about the security of the territorial waters as we are sharing border with Senegal and the Atlantic Ocean which is the gateway between us and the world.

The assistance of Taiwan has touched on every aspect of Gambia's national development. President Jammeh cited the free education to girls and the achievement of the gender development goals has been successful because of the assistance from the Taiwanese Government.

The Presidential Girls' Empowerment Project, he said, has so far trained 40,000 girls and the project is still on the move with the assistance of Taiwan and even the boys are also claiming to benefit from the free education package. The Gambia has therefore set an example in terms of basic education and is a role model of boys and girls attaining Grade 9 education.

In health sector, President Jammeh said, The Gambia has the cheapest rates for medical care to the extent that we even subsidize our neighbors who technically capitalize on the ECOWAS free movement protocol.

President Jammeh assured the Taiwanese delegation that The Gambia will continue to support them to be given observer status in international organizations which is a step towards bigger objective. “We will never abandon Taiwan but stand to defend the rights of 23 million people to see that justice is done. It's an honor to stand for your fellow human being especially if you believe that humanity is important” he pointed out.

Our objective, he said, is clear is terms of international organizations and Taiwan was the first Asian country to recognize The Gambia. With or without funds, we will continue to support Taiwan until and unless they tell us to stop.

The Taiwanese Deputy Minister Andrew Shia said he is instructed by President Ma Ying-jeou to reassure President Jammeh of their dedication and commitment to The Gambia. He said it is because of The Gambia's support that Taiwan has attained observer status in the world Health Organisation. Minister Shia said they are committed to further strengthen it and commended The Gambia for achieving remarkable economic growth and the partnership is set to refurbish and deepen existing mutual areas.

Lieutenant General Yen Ming, the Deputy Chief of staff of the Taiwanese Army said they appreciate The Gambia's support very well and wish the relationship between the two countries continue and have more space for development.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Gambians Abroad, Dr Omar Touray said this package clearly manifests the commitment of The Gambia/Taiwan relationship which is demonstrated in many ways. Taiwan has stood by The Gambia in many ways ranging from infrastructure to health, education and agriculture. This relationship, he said, is based on principles and promised that The Gambia will continue to work to develop and pave the way on issues at different levels.