R 030939Z APR 09
FM AMEMBASSY BANJUL
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 8596
INFO ECOWAS COLLECTIVE

UNCLAS BANJUL 000100 
 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: EAGR EFIN ETRD PREL TRGY GA
SUBJECT: IRANIAN FOREIGN MINISTER LEADS DELEGATION TO GAMBIA 
 
SUMMARY 
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1.On March 27, 2009, a high-powered Iranian delegation led by 
Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki arrived in Banjul on a two-day 
working visit, highlighting several areas of cooperation between the 
two countries.   Although Iranian engagement here is on the rise, at 
this point there is more talk than substance. 
 
BILATERAL COOPERATION 
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¶2. Officials of the two governments held a series of meetings, 
including a closed door session with Vice President Aja Isatou 
Njie-Saidy, who doubles as the Chairperson of the National Security 
Council (NSC). 
 
¶3. Mr. Mottaki's delegation included at least 10 officials, 
including the Deputy Energy Minister.  Mottaki told the official 
media (who were the only ones invited to cover the visit) in an 
interview that their "priority here [in The Gambia] is agriculture. 
We have agreed to open an office here with a representative of our 
Ministry of Agriculture to work on projects". 
 
¶4. The Iranian envoy also spoke of Tehran's desire to assist with 
the exportation of The Gambia's agricultural produce and also hinted 
about future engagement in the energy sector.  Mottaki also 
expressed a commitment to explore opportunities in The Gambia's 
commercial and banking sectors. 
 
COMMENTS 
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¶5. Relations between The Gambia and Iran gained momentum in 2006, 
following the participation of President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad in the 
African Union Summit held in Banjul.  Although the relationship has 
been warm, the level of Iranian development assistance in The Gambia 
remains very limited particularly compared to Taiwan, The Gambia's 
main benefactor. This is the second Iranian delegation to visit The 
Gambia since December 2008. (REFTEL Banjul 000387) It is notable 
that the previous delegation, led by a provincial Governor, was 
received by Jammeh with much fanfare. It is curious that Gambian 
vice President Dr. Isatou Njie-Saidy and not President Jammeh met 
with this delegation, led by the foreign minister. 
 
WELLS