Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07BANJUL81
2007-02-14 18:09:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Banjul
Cable title:
THE GAMBIA AND IRAN REPORTEDLY TO ESTABLISH
how-toVZCZCXRO8334 OO RUEHPA DE RUEHJL #0081 0451809 ZNY CCCCC ZZH O 141809Z FEB 07 FM AMEMBASSY BANJUL TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 7313 INFO RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE RUEHRH/AMEMBASSY RIYADH 0024 RHMFISS/HQ USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE//POLAD/J2//
C O N F I D E N T I A L BANJUL 000081
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
DAKAR PLS PASS ODC, DAO, AND RAO
E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/15/2017
TAGS: PREL PGOV GA IR
SUBJECT: THE GAMBIA AND IRAN REPORTEDLY TO ESTABLISH
EMBASSIES
REF: BANJUL 34 ET AL (NOTAL)
Classified By: AMBASSADOR JOSEPH STAFFORD, REASON 1.4 (B AND D)
ESTABLISHMENT OF DIPLOMATIC MISSIONS
-------------------------------------
C O N F I D E N T I A L BANJUL 000081
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
DAKAR PLS PASS ODC, DAO, AND RAO
E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/15/2017
TAGS: PREL PGOV GA IR
SUBJECT: THE GAMBIA AND IRAN REPORTEDLY TO ESTABLISH
EMBASSIES
REF: BANJUL 34 ET AL (NOTAL)
Classified By: AMBASSADOR JOSEPH STAFFORD, REASON 1.4 (B AND D)
ESTABLISHMENT OF DIPLOMATIC MISSIONS
--------------
1. (C) Well-informed journalistic source told Ambassador
February 14 that The Gambia and Iran would soon establish
embassies, headed by Ambassadors, in the respective capitals.
Our contact said an Iranian delegation was currently in
Banjul to identify a suitable embassy site. He added that the
GOTG had already designated its Ambassador to Iran, former
Foreign Minister and Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Lamin Kaba
Bajo.
COMMENT
--------------
2. (C) The two sides' reported decision to establish
embassies is not surprising, given the marked expansion of
ties in past months, as highlighted by the exchanges of
visits by the Iranian and Gambian leaders (reftels).
Heretofore, Iran's mission in Dakar has covered The Gambia,
while the latter's Embassy in Saudi Arabia has been
responsible for Iran. We think it likely that it was the
Gambian side that pressed for the establishment of embassies,
perhaps arguing that a permanent Iranian diplomatic presence
was needed in order to ensure the proper implementation of
economic, military, and other cooperation programs that the
Iranians have reportedly expressed willingness to undertake
here. END COMMENT
STAFFORD
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
DAKAR PLS PASS ODC, DAO, AND RAO
E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/15/2017
TAGS: PREL PGOV GA IR
SUBJECT: THE GAMBIA AND IRAN REPORTEDLY TO ESTABLISH
EMBASSIES
REF: BANJUL 34 ET AL (NOTAL)
Classified By: AMBASSADOR JOSEPH STAFFORD, REASON 1.4 (B AND D)
ESTABLISHMENT OF DIPLOMATIC MISSIONS
--------------
1. (C) Well-informed journalistic source told Ambassador
February 14 that The Gambia and Iran would soon establish
embassies, headed by Ambassadors, in the respective capitals.
Our contact said an Iranian delegation was currently in
Banjul to identify a suitable embassy site. He added that the
GOTG had already designated its Ambassador to Iran, former
Foreign Minister and Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Lamin Kaba
Bajo.
COMMENT
--------------
2. (C) The two sides' reported decision to establish
embassies is not surprising, given the marked expansion of
ties in past months, as highlighted by the exchanges of
visits by the Iranian and Gambian leaders (reftels).
Heretofore, Iran's mission in Dakar has covered The Gambia,
while the latter's Embassy in Saudi Arabia has been
responsible for Iran. We think it likely that it was the
Gambian side that pressed for the establishment of embassies,
perhaps arguing that a permanent Iranian diplomatic presence
was needed in order to ensure the proper implementation of
economic, military, and other cooperation programs that the
Iranians have reportedly expressed willingness to undertake
here. END COMMENT
STAFFORD