The ROC ended diplomatic ties with The Gambia Nov. 18, a move upholding national dignity and in keeping with the government’s viable diplomacy policy, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
With immediate effect, the MOFA will shut down the ROC embassy in the West African country, evacuate technical mission staffers and cut off bilateral cooperation projects, the ministry said in a statement.
According to the MOFA, the decision was taken following the announcement Nov. 14 by Gambia President Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh to unilaterally break off diplomatic relations with the ROC.
Since the two countries re-established official ties in July 1995, the ROC had proposed and implemented a variety of programs in The Gambia. These spanned agriculture, education, infrastructure, medical care and security.
“Such initiatives enhanced the well-being of the Gambian people and were warmly received by all sectors of society,” the ministry said.
In addition, the two nations held frequent, high-level exchanges, including a state visit by ROC President Ma Ying-jeou to The Gambia in April 2012, a trip by Jammeh to Taiwan two months later and a visit by Gambian Vice President Isatou Njie-Saidy for ROC National Day celebrations last month.
The ROC attached great importance to longstanding and friendly relations between the two countries, and regrets The Gambia’s decision, the MOFA said.
This development in no way affects the government’s rock-solid determination to promote viable diplomacy and seek expanded international space for the nation, the ministry added.
“The ROC will continue establishing and strengthening bilateral relations in a pragmatic manner with countries committed to justice, as well as offering mutually beneficial interactions with Taiwan.” (SFC-JSM)
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