U.S. Ambassador Laurence Socha today presented his Letter of Credence to President Adama Barrow at State House, formally beginning his tenure as the 22nd United States Ambassador to The Gambia.
Hon. Sering Modou Njie, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, accompanied Ambassador Socha to the ceremony.
Following the presentation, Ambassador Socha and President Barrow discussed ways to strengthen the longstanding partnership between the United States and The Gambia, focusing on economic and commercial growth, regional security, and The Gambia's continued democratic development.
As a gesture of friendship, Ambassador Socha presented President Barrow with a set of bookends modeled after the iconic bronze lions outside the Art Institute of Chicago, in the Ambassador's hometown. The gift symbolizes a connection between Chicago and The Gambia, where lions also feature prominently on the national coat of arms.
Speaking to the press after the meeting, Ambassador Socha said: "I am honored that President Trump has appointed me as the 22nd U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of The Gambia. I am grateful for the warm welcome by His Excellency, President Adama Barrow, the Honorable Minister of Foreign Affairs, and all the people of The Gambia."
He added: "The United States is safer, stronger, and more prosperous when The Gambia is safer, stronger, and more prosperous. Those are my goals: safety, strength, and prosperity – for Americans and Gambians alike."