British foreign secretary: Gambia to return to Commonwealth

In this image from video, British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson is welcomed on arrival in the Gambian capital Banjul, Tuesday Feb. 13, 2017. Johnson is scheduled to meet new president Adama Barrow during his regional visit. (AP Photo) (The Associated Press)

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Britain's Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson speaks to media before meeting with Gambian President Adama Barrow for talks in Banjul, Gambia, Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2017. (AP Photo/ Kuku Marong) (The Associated Press)

Britain's Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson speak to media before meeting with Gambian President Adama Barrow for talks in Banjul , Gambia, Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2017. (AP Photo/ Kuku Marong) (The Associated Press)

BANJUL, Gambia – Britain's foreign secretary says Gambia will return to the Commonwealth and has Britain's support now that longtime leader Yahya Jammeh has given up power after 22 years running the West African country.

Boris Johnson met with new Gambian President Adama Barrow on Tuesday and pledged to strengthen ties as Gambia moves toward greater democracy.

Barrow has vowed to reverse actions taken by his predecessor and is taking steps toward regaining relationships with some Western countries.

Gambia withdrew from the Commonwealth in 2013 under Jammeh's rule, and last year announced it was also withdrawing from the International Criminal Court.

Johnson said new ties will help strengthen key areas such as education, health and security.

Jammeh flew into exile last month under international pressure after losing to Barrow in a December election.