March 26, 2007
Venezuela and Gambia strengthen cooperation

(Ven-Global News) - "Both countries endorsed a letter of intention that implies the binational cooperation in the health, technological, science, and energy fields. Venezuela permanently expands its ties with the African countries.

The Minister of Popular Power for Foreign Affairs, of the Bolívarian Republic of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro Moros, and the Secretary for Foreign Affairs of Gambia, Bala Garbe Jahumpa, endorsed a letter of intention in order to move forward and strengthen relations of bilateral cooperation.

The document allows for strengthening cooperation in fields such as health, technology, science and energy.

'Today, we receive a clear message from Africa to become allies for dignity and sovereignty,' said Minister Maduro.

The Venezuelan foreign minister recalled that the peoples of Africa and Latin America have been whipped by the same imperialist pretensions along history.

'When people talk about the poverty, backwardness and diseases in our regions, it seems that nobody remembers that they are the results from 500 years of imperialist looting,' he added.

In this sense, the African diplomat highlighted that 'our continents have suffered from the same exploitation and looting of our resources. In Africa such exploitation continues.'

'Endorsing this agreement is what we need to strengthen the South-south cooperation,' stressed Maduro Moros.

That's the reason why he highlighted it is important for Africa to develop cooperation plans with Latin America

Jahumpa thanked - on behalf of his Government and people - President Chávez and the Venezuelan people for the collaboration he received during his visit.

The African diplomat has been in the Venezuela since last March 20.

During his visit, he has held meetings with different members of the Venezuelan Cabinet".