The Chinese government will supply a security inspection equipment at the Banjul International Airport after its signed a grant document with The Gambia government on Monday.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, Dr. Mamadou Tangara and the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, H.E. Ma Jianchun signed the grant document for the installation of security inspection equipment at the Banjul International Airport, at a dinner hosted by the Embassy of China.

It was agreed between the two Governments that the People’s Republic of China will send technical experts to The Gambia for the equipment installation, commissioning and technical guidance.

The cost of the equipment will be covered by the grant in the Agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation in the form of Gratuitous Assistance between the two Governments.

It is agreed that The Gambia will send personnel to attend the training session organised by the Chinese experts.

Following the signing ceremony, Dr. Tangara thanked the Government and People of China on behalf of President Adama Barrow.

The Foreign Minister highlighted the importance of security noting that it is paramount for the development of any country.

He added that since The Gambia will be hosting the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation conference in 2021, “it is necessary to improve security at the airport”.

Dr Tangara renewed the Gambia’s commitment to strengthening relations and cooperation with China.

The Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, Ma Jianchun, expressed delight and assured that relations between the two countries will move to greater heights.

He said that the equipment would arrive in March 2020.

However civil liberties groups have raised concerns about the new security equipment given the Chinese government autocratic credentials and lack of respect for privacy.