Gambia-Iran Foreign Relations

 

Nuclear

During a 2007 meeting between Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Gambian Foreign Minister Musa Bala Garba Jahumpa, Jahumpa said that Gambia supports Iran’s right to possess nuclear energy. According to Jahumpa, Gambia views this development as beneficial to increasing Gambian and other independent nations advancement in acquiring nuclear energy technology. [1] 

 

Economic Relationship

Iran and Gambia have expressed a mutual desire for increased bilateral ties, beginning with bilateral trade relations. In 2007, Iranian automotive manufacturer Iran Khodro Diesel and Gambia’s Foreign Minister Musa Bala Garba Jahumpa signed a $2 billion deal for the export of heavy and commercial vehicles to Gambia to meet the needs of Gambia’s public transportation system.[2]  The countries have explored potential avenues for economic cooperation through joint economic committees focused on energy, banking, development, and information exchange.[3] In 2009, foreign ministers from both countries met to discuss bilateral cooperation in the agriculture, energy, and private sectors.[4] 

 

Diplomatic/Military Relationship

Gambia’s diplomatic relationship with Iran has strengthened since a military junta gained control of the African in a 1994 coup. Throughout this period of military control, Iran has provided aid to Gambia’s security, intelligence, and agricultural development. [5] Gambian President Yahya Jammeh openly voiced his support for Iran in 2006, inviting the Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as his special guest to the African Union Summit hosted in Gambia.[6] The same year, Iran and Gambia issued a public statement calling for the “expansion of all-out cooperation” between them.[7]