Banjul The Gambia, February 19, 2025 - The Secretary General of the Islamic Solidarity Sports Federation (ISSA), Mr. Nasser Ayman Majali, and his delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Honorable Ministerof Youth and Sports on Wednesday in Banjul.
The visit aimed to enhance sports diplomacy, foster bilateral relations, and explore collaboration opportunities between The Gambia and ISSA.
Permanent Secretary Mrs. Saffie S. Farage and the Minister of Youth and Sports welcomed the ISSA delegation, expressing the Ministry’s delight in hosting the esteemed guests. She acknowledged the longstanding cooperation between The Gambia and Saudi Arabia in various sectors and emphasized the importance of leveraging The Gambia’s OIC Chairmanship to promote sports development and Islamic solidarity.
During the meeting, key areas of discussion included:
✅ Strengthening Sports Diplomacy and Bilateral Relations – Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to advancing sports cooperation, particularly in diplomacy, scholarships, and grants, while ensuring ISSA plays a role in the legacy of the OIC Summit in The Gambia.
✅ Sports Exchange and Training Opportunities – The Gambia and ISSA explored potential exchange programs for athletes, coaches, and administrators, as well as technical training and certification opportunities.
✅ Provision of Sports Equipment and Infrastructure Support – The Ministry requested ISSA’s assistance in acquiring modern sports equipment and upgrading sports facilities to boost grassroots and elite sports development.
✅ Knowledge-Sharing and Capacity-Building – Discussions centered on collaborative training programs, leadership development, and mentorship for national sports federations and governing bodies.
✅ Participation in Regional and International Sporting Events – ISSA’s support for Gambian athletes’ participation in major international events was considered, including potential funding assistance.
✅ Collaboration in Hosting International ISSA Events – The Gambia expressed interest in hosting ISSA-sanctioned events such as the Islamic Solidarity Games qualifiers and sports conferences to boost regional sports engagement.
The meeting concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to working together to develop sports as a tool for unity, youth empowerment, and national progress. The Ministry expressed appreciation for ISSA’s continued support and looked forward to implementing key outcomes from the discussions.
