UNB:

Gambian Foreign Minister Mamadou Tangara on Wednesday appraised Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus about the genocide case against Myanmar that his country instituted and was pursuing to bring justice for the much-persecuted Rohingya Muslims.

“I can assure you the President of Gambia is supporting this matter and looking into it. We want to put this issue back on the map,” Tangara said when he met Chief Adviser Dr Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna.

He said, “The President of Gambia and the Gambian people are committed to this cause.”

Prof Yunus thanked Gambia for taking up the cause of the Rohingya people and for the African nation’s persistent commitment and continued efforts for the successful fruition of the case, according to the Chief Adviser’s press wing.

“We want this case to succeed. We want your support. It is a big help for us,” the Chief Adviser said.

Mamadou Tangara praised the leadership of Prof Yunus, saying his diplomatic efforts would help the Rohingya people a dignified life. “You are a household name in Gambia. With your aura, the International community will always be with you,” he said.

The Foreign Minister also wished the Chief Adviser success in his new role as the head of Bangladesh’s Interim Government. “We wish you every success in your noble work and challenging mission,” he said.

Prof Yunus highlighted Dhaka’s efforts to mobilise aid for the Rohingya people and his calls to support humanitarian aid in Rakhine, including food and medical assistance to the displaced people and to stop more people from fleeing across the border to Bangladesh.

The Chief Adviser also called for deeper trade and cooperation between the two nations. “Let us know how we can help you,” he said.

The two leaders also expressed satisfaction over signing an agreement to jointly work in United Nations peacekeeping operations.

They also discussed the potential of microcredit to lift millions of people out of poverty in Africa and usher in peace and stability in some of the violence-plagued regions of the continent.

Dr Khalilur Rahman, the High Representative of the Chief Adviser for Rohingya and other key issues, and Lamiya Morshed, senior secretary and the head of SDGs affairs of the Bangladesh government, were present during the meeting.