Gambia is all set to reopen its embassy in Qatar, Foreign minister Ousainou Darboe, said.

Mr Darboe said in an interview with Qatar's The Penisular newspaper that the embassy that was closed by former President Yahya Jammeh would become operational within five months.

He expressed President Adama Barrow’s respect for Qatar, its leadership and desire to revive the bilateral relations between the two countries.

His first visit

Mr Darboe, who was on his first visit to the Middle East, said Qatar occupied an important position, not only in the Gulf, but in the whole Middle East.

He described his mission as aimed at strengthening bilateral relations.

“Unfortunately, the previous regime closed the embassy of Gambia in Qatar and now we want to reopen it and I have informed Qatar’s Foreign Minister about it. Qatar has welcomed the move,” Mr Darboe was quoted saying.

Double taxation

The minister explained to Qatari investors the tax exemptions, among others, as the aspects of Gambia’s investment-friendliness.

“Both countries have already a treaty to avoid double taxation, which is operational, therefore Qataris should invest in Gambia,” he said, noting the West African state has a lot of potential for agriculture.

“After the opening of embassy, things will be on fast-track,” Mr Darboe said.

"Energy is another sector with a lot of potential for investors. We want plenty of investment in the energy sector, particularly renewable energy."

Dispute resolution

Mr Darboe praised the Middle East country’s role in dispute resolution in the region and across the world, assuring them of Gambia’s support at international forums.

Being a small country, he said, Gambia supports Qatar’s voice on various international issues.

The minister disclosed that Gambia would host the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation Summit next year with the help of Qatar.