By: Kebba AF Touray
The Gambia and Switzerland, have on Tuesday 20th January 2021, signed a cooperative agreement on Migration.
According to the presser issued by the Foreign Affairs Ministry, the signed Cooperation Agreement is meant to curb irregular migration and ensure effective protection of the rights of Gambian citizens who are migrants in Switzerland.
The release indicated that the Agreement will create cordial working relations between the Government of The Gambia and the Government of Switzerland in identifying opportunities, coordinating and managing challenges of migration.
The Ministry said: “These, the two countries believe will further strengthen relations and deepen cooperation with regards to the effective management of migration, dealing with unemployment and creation of more opportunities for women and youth in The Gambia”.
It also disclosed that The Government of The Gambia further negotiated for all undocumented Gambian migrants in Switzerland to be trained on livelihood skills and be integrated in Swiss community.
“As The Gambia progresses in enhancing her democracy, there is need to ensure that the country adheres to international Human Rights Instruments by respecting the laws of other countries whilst also ensuring that Gambian citizens within and outside enjoy the required protection of the Government. In this regard, the Government of The Gambia and the Government of Switzerland agreed that all legal remedies will be exhausted before any voluntary returnees will be repatriated”, said Foreign Affairs Ministry.
The Ministry further highlighted that the Government of The Gambia further assures all Gambians that it is approaching migration as a developmental issue and that the signed Cooperation Agreement will also paved the way for the establishment of a multi-purpose skills training center and create other opportunities for young people to achieve their goals in The Gambia.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry also unveiled that both countries agreed on the spelt out modalities which serve as an enabling tool to ensure equitable and balanced intervention with a view to attaining dignified life for Gambians in Switzerland and Swiss citizens in The Gambia.
Foreign Affairs Ministry concludes: “Further, as part of efforts to further strengthen the excellent bilateral relations that exist between the two countries and on the invitation of the Honorable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Mamadou Tangara, the Vice President and Federal Councilor of Switzerland, Ignazio Cassis, is expected to visit The Gambia on Friday 12th February 2021”.
