France’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot, hosted Gambian Foreign Minister Sering Modou Njie in Paris on July 24 for high-level talks aimed at strengthening diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations.

This first official meeting between the two ministers underscored the deepening relationship between France and The Gambia, which has gained fresh momentum since The Gambia’s return to democracy in 2017.

Both ministers expressed strong alignment on key international priorities, including the promotion of peace, democracy, climate action, and ocean protection. They praised France’s ongoing support to The Gambia, particularly through French Development Agency (AFD) projects in water, agriculture, biodiversity, and resource mobilisation.

The talks also highlighted the growing cultural and economic cooperation between the two countries. The ministers welcomed the active role of the Alliance Française in Banjul and noted France’s expanding economic presence and bilateral trade with The Gambia.

Concluding the meeting, Barrot and Njie hailed the success of their discussions and reaffirmed their commitment to deepening friendship and cooperation for the mutual benefit of their citizens.