Culled from www.statehouse.gm

Major General Graig Rasmussen from The United States Army visited The Gambia on Sunday February 24th 2002. He is currently Director of Logistics and Security Assistance, Headquarters U.S. European Command in Stuttgart, Germany and overseas the direction and management of Ninety One International Agreements in Europe, Asia and Africa. 

He arrived at 9.15 a.m. and was received by the Permanent Secretary, Department of State for Defence, Armed Forces Chief of Staff, Service Commanders and others.  

Major General Graig Rasmussen later paid a courtesy call on H.E. The Vice President who is also the Chairperson of the Armed Forces Council of The Gambia. The American General briefed the Vice President on the purpose of his stop over in Banjul.

          A)           Purpose of Visit

It was an orientation visit to review and take stock of US-Gambia Military Co-operation with a view to re-establish contacts into potential and possible areas of co-operation.

He was particularly delighted with the reception and the rate of development in the country. Of significant importance as he put it, was the recently concluded and successful Presidential Elections in The Gambia.

          B)          Areas of Possible Co-operation

          The Potential Areas of Co-operation include the following:-

1.        U.S Department of Defence Humanitarian Assistance Programme, which covers Medical, Educational and Infrastructural related Projects.

2.        U.S Department of Defence bio-diversity programme with The Gambia Navy.

3.        Revival of the IMET Programme

4.        Anti Terrorism Policy

5.        Capacity in Anti-Drug and Anti-Trafficking Surveillance

6.        Disaster Management.

7. Repairs/spareparts for Patrol Boat "Bolong Kanta". 

8.     Construction of slipway at Gambia Navy fleet site etc.

C)              VISITS

The visit was more confined to discussions and confidence building under the co-ordination of the Permanent Secretary, Department of State for Defence.

Notwithstanding, The General had the opportunity to visit the Navy Fleet Site and the Training School.

D)              CONCLUSION   

Overall, the visit was carefully co-ordinated and confined to the real issues of substance. The General finally left The Gambia the same day at 3.00 p.m. for Accra.

 E)          A.O.B

The General was also decorated with a Special Honour Medal of The Department of State for Defence by H.E. The Vice President on the President's behalf.

Major General Graig Rasmussen was accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Rasmussen. Mrs. Rasmussen was taken on a tour of the Katchikally Magical Crocodile Pool, the Nursery School for children of soldiers, the Army Medical Hospital and also to the Bakau Arts & Crafts Centre.