The Gambia's President, Sir Dawda Jawara, defended oil-producing countries in an exclusive interview with Visnews Africa Editor Bill Ward in London, the United Kingdom, on Friday, 28 June.

Sir Dawda gave the interview on the last day of his ten-day visit during which he has signed a new loan agreement with Britain. The new agreement guarantees The Gambia a 600,000 pound sterling interest-free loan for development. Mrs. Judith Hart, Minister of Overseas Development, signed the agreement on behalf of the British Government.

Sir Dawda, who graduated in vetinary medicine at Scotland's Glasgow University about twenty years ago, spent four days on a private visit to Scotland before beginning his official visit.

Last week Sir Dawda and Lady Chilel Jawara had lunch at Buckingham Palace as guests of the Queen. British Prime Minister Mr. Harold Wilson also hosted a governmental dinner for Sir Dawda.

The Gambia is the nearest Commonwealth African country to Britain. It also has the oldest historical connections with Britain -- going back to the 16th century.