1. Political Relations
The People's Republic of China established diplomatic relations with the Republic of Gambia on December 14, 1974. However, the Gambian Government went so far as to resume the so-called "diplomatic relations" with the Taiwan authority on July 13, 1995. Therefore, China had to suspend the diplomatic relations with Gambia on July 25 1995.
During the period when China and Gambia maintained diplomatic relations, Mr. Ji Pengfei, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress paid a visit to Gambia in December 1978. Major visits to China from the Gambian sides included President Dawda Kairaba Jawara (in June 1975, April 1987, July 1988 and May 1991 respectively), Mr. Alieu Badara N'jie, Minister of Foreign Affairs (in January-February 1975), and Mr. Momodou Baboucarr N'jie, Speaker of the Congress (in September 1987).
2. Trade Relations and Economic & Technical Cooperation
From 1975 to 1995, China helped Gambia in building the Independence Stadium, the Friendship Hostel, the Health Centers and other projects.
Chinese companies have been doing business in Gambia since 1983 in the fields of trade, construction and fishing. There are now still some Chinese companies operating in Gambia.
China and Gambia signed a trade agreement in November 1975. Major exports from China to Gambia include textiles, Chinese native produce and animal by-products, light industrial and hardware products, with textiles and tea accounting for about 90% of the total export volume. In 2001, China's export to Gambia totaled 72.507 million US dollars. China had no import from Gambia.
3. Exchanges and Cooperation in the fields of Culture, Science and Technology, Education, and Military Affairs
China and Gambia signed a cultural agreement in April 1987.
The two countries signed a protocol on sending Chinese medical teams to work in Gambia in August 1976. From October 1977 to March 1995, more than 200 Chinese medical personnel worked in Gambia.
From 1984 to 1995, China accepted 11 students from Gambia on scholarship basis.
In April 1991, General Xu Xin, Deputy Chief of General Staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, leading a military delegation, visited Gambia.
4. Important Agreements and Documents
On December 14, 1974, China and Gambia signed the joint communiqué on establishing diplomatic relations.
