Banjul — The vice president and minister of Women's Affairs, Aja Dr Isatou Njie-Saidy, has described the government of The Kingdom of the Netherlands as true partner of The Gambia that has offered many help to the country.

"The partnership between The Gambia and the Netherlands is not only based on support but a matter of two small countries defending each other," the vice president remarked. She was speaking yesterday at the Jerma Beach Hotel in Kololi, where she presided over the handing over of ten motor bikes and seven cars donated to the ministry of Health and Social Welfare by a Netherland group called Desert Corps from Hague through Riders For Health (RFH).

The Gambia government, she said is appreciative of the efforts of the Riders For Health in the country. She said before the coming of RFH in the country, there were many faulty vehicles at most of the hospitals but that their coming had brought blessing to the country's health sector. "Health is not to only have doctors and nurses in place, but transport is equally important," the VP said. "Today," she added, "health and education have become less problematic in the country".

She then commended the Desert Corps through RFH for their donation and expressed government's relentless commitment to strengthen the cordial relation with them.Anita Van der Burg, head of the Riders For Health volunteers in the Netherlands, said the donated items will immensely contribute to enhancing the health sector of the country. Burg said that in ensuring the enhancement of quality health delivery in The Gambia, RFH will continue to help equip the country's hospitals both with medications and transport.

Ramou Cole-Ceesay of the Ministry of Health commended the Desert Corps for the donation and promised them that the donated materials will be properly utilised. Ceesay informed the donors that health, education are primary areas of interest of the Gambia government.