The Development Cooperation between The Gambia and the European Union (EU) that started in 1976 was meant among other things to contribute to the effective implementation of The Gambia’s development strategy, educational development and poverty eradication. The cooperation under the former regime was almost dormant particularly during the last few years of Yahya Jammeh’s presidency. The relationship was to large extent confined to its humanitarian aspects. Since the change of government, the cooperation has improved remarkably, resulting in financing several development programmes such as agriculture and rural development, inclusive growth and employment, environment and climate change and budget support. Stephane Meert’s appointment as head of Cooperation in June2018 is another strong sign of the EU’s commitment to The Gambia. Mr. Meert from Belgian has 15 years of experience with the EU. He was previously based at the EU Delegation to Senegal. He has a wealth of field experience ranging from Bangladesh to Algeria. “I am very enthusiastic about this new posting in The Gambia. I was political officer covering this country when based in our Headquarters in 2011, and therefore, it’s somehow a come-back., but it’s not a come-back to the same country. In December, 2016, “#Gambia has decided” and Gambians have decided to take their fate in their own hands. It’s fantastic to be here at this moment to support the genuine democratic move,” Mr. Meert explained in the The Gambia-EU News Letter.
Source: thepoint.gm
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