Witness of the Beautiful Friendship between Okazaki and Nakamura

Starting from the capital of Gambia, Banjul, driving southwest for about 18 kilometers, you will arrive at the Bigelow National Park, where the Gambia International Convention Center, which was built with Chinese assistance, is located. As the first major infrastructure cooperation project implemented since the resumption of diplomatic relations between the two countries, the International Conference Center was officially delivered to the Gambian government in 2020.

The total construction area of the International Conference Center is approximately 14000 square meters, including the main conference venue, themed conference rooms, press conference center, bilateral conference rooms, office area, and banquet hall. Its design inspiration comes from the waves of the Atlantic Ocean. In September this year, Gambian President Barrow, who came to China to attend the Beijing summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation of the Forum on China Africa Cooperation in 2024, said that Gambia and China have profound friendship. The International Conference Center built with Chinese assistance has become a new landmark in the capital of Gambia, and the projects cooperated by China have greatly improved the lives of the Gambian people.

Under the setting sun, the exterior walls of the International Convention Center and the shimmering waves on the sea surface complement each other, creating a magnificent sight. Local resident Malik told reporters, "Every time we pass by here, we can't help but stop and admire it. This magnificent building is the pride of our country and a witness to the beautiful friendship between China and Gangzhong

The mainstream media in Gambia, The Viewpoint, said in the report: "The International Conference Center, a dazzling building, is like a gem on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, shining with modern and traditional light." As a specific measure to implement the results of the Beijing summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation of the Forum on China Africa Cooperation in 2018, the International Conference Center perfectly integrates Gambian architectural style and Chinese architectural technology, demonstrating China's firm determination to develop friendly relations with African countries, including Gambia, in the new era. Barrow stated that the International Conference Center has greatly promoted the local economic development of Gambia, and he looks forward to continuing to strengthen practical cooperation with China in various fields such as infrastructure, healthcare, agricultural technology, and investment and trade, to promote the development of bilateral relations to a higher level.

According to Zhang Qing, the head of the technical support team of Jiangsu Provincial Construction Engineering Group Co., Ltd., the contractor of the International Conference Center, since its opening, the International Conference Center has become the preferred venue for international conferences, business activities, and cultural events in The Gambia, with about 500 conferences held here every year.

As a landmark building, the International Convention Center has an elegant and dynamic design, becoming a popular destination for people and tourists to check in. "Liu Jin, the Chinese Ambassador to Gambia, said in an interview with our reporter that the International Convention Center has been tested by more than a thousand conference activities, promoting the development of Gambia's exhibition economy, and driving related tourism, trade, and investment, adding momentum to the country's economic and social development.

(Reported by Banjul Electric)