By: Sainabou Sambou
Türkiye and The Gambia on Monday reaffirmed their defense and security partnership as the Turkish Embassy marked the 104th anniversary of Victory Day at the ambassador’s residence in Brufut.
Senior government officials, military and security officers, diplomats, ECOWAS representatives and members of the media attended the reception on 31 August.
Turkish Ambassador Fahri Türker Oba said 30 August Victory Day commemorates the Great Victory of 1922, a turning point in Türkiye’s history and a milestone on the path to the modern republic. The anniversary, he said, reminds Turks of independence, unity and determination, and honors those who died for the country.
Oba also highlighted what he called strong, friendly ties with The Gambia, especially in defense and security. “Military and security cooperation are major elements contributing to our friendship that we highly value,” he said.
He noted that Gambian military and security personnel have trained in Türkiye for years and that institutions from both countries have exchanged expertise. Equipment and supplies from Türkiye have also supported The Gambia’s participation in international operations, he added.
The ambassador said he hoped growing mutual visits in defense and security would continue. He thanked Gambian authorities for their cooperation and recognized Turkish officials working to strengthen military and security relations.
Speaking for the Gambian government, Defense Minister Baboucarr Ousmaila Joof called Türkiye “a very close friend of The Gambia.” He thanked Ankara for continued technical and military support to the Gambia Armed Forces.
“We are grateful for the relationship, we are grateful for the advice, and we are grateful beyond that for the technical and military support that we are getting from the Turkish government,” Joof said.
He cited the presence of a permanent Turkish military adviser in his office as evidence of the closeness of the two armed forces.
Joof also commended Ambassador Oba as he prepares to take up another assignment, saying the envoy had completed several projects and maintained a close partnership with the government, particularly the Gambia Armed Forces.
“We are grateful for your service on behalf of the Turkish government to the Gambian people,” he said, wishing Oba success in his next post.
The minister praised Türkiye’s economic and military transformation over the past century, saying visits to Istanbul had shown him the country’s development and advances in military capability. He described Türkiye as a giant in economics and military science and said he hoped it would grow stronger in the next century.
Joof also praised President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, saying Türkiye had recorded significant economic and military growth under his leadership.
