His
Excellency Ergin Soner, Turkey Ambassador to The Gambia, has passionately
reiterated his country’s respect and love for The Gambia as a true friend and
brother, indeed, to the Government and people of the Republic of Turkey.
Ambassador
Soner made this remark on Friday 28 October 2016 at the Ocean Bay Hotel in
Bakau Cape Point, while delivering a landmark statement on the occasion marking
the 93rd Independence Anniversary of the Republic of Turkey.
The
occasion, attended by ministers and senior officials of the Gambia government,
members of the diplomatic and consular corps, as well as top executives of the
public and private sectors, was the fourth and last Turkey independence
anniversary under the auspices of Ambassador Soner.
“Turkey
and The Gambia have friendly and brotherly relations based on a long and deep
rooted past,” Ambassador Soner said.
Turkey
shares and fully supports The Gambia’s visionary development agendas, he
stated, saying: “I should also point out
that H.E. President Yahya Jammeh’s wise leadership and close and personal
friendship with H.E. President Tayyip Erdogan undoubtedly occupies an important
place in these rapidly and increasingly improved relations between Turkey and
The Gambia.”
These
improved relations and personal friendship between the two “determined
presidents” was demonstrated once again on the night of July 15 when the
Fethullah Terrorist Organisation – Feto (also known as Gulen Group) – attempted
to overthrow the democratically elected government and legitimate president of
Turkey.
“On
this challenging night for Turkey and her true friends, it was the Gambian
leader, H.E. President Sheikh Prof Alhaji Yahya AJ.J. Jammeh Babili Mansa, who
was among the first to demonstrate solidarity with Turkey, her elected
President and Government, without even waiting to see or know how things would
unfold,” Ambassador Soner remarked.
In
this context, he continued, “I am proud to share that The Gambia is a true
friend for us in Africa and that the Gambian people are brothers and sisters of
the Turkish nation. In other words, Turkey has been and will always be
trans-continental brother of the Gambian people.”
In
appreciating and gratifying all the guests, especially members of the
diplomatic and consular corps, for their presence at the occasion, the Turkish
Ambassador said: “On a final note, as this is the fourth and last national day
reception for me here in Banjul as Turkish Ambassador, I would like to extend
my deepest heartfelt gratitude to his Excellency the President of the Islamic Republic of The Gambia, the
Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs, all the members of the Gambia Government and
administration and also my thanks to my colleagues who are representing their
own countries in The Gambia and last, but not the least, the lovely people of
this country.
“I
would also like to add that the Islamic Republic of The Gambia will very soon
have a dual Ambassador in Ankara serving for The Gambia so, therefore, the
doors of my office will be wide open to all Gambians for a cup of coffee
whenever they need to consult with me.”
The
Ambassador then quoted the statement delivered by his President Tayyip Erdogan.
In
her remarks on the occasion, Gambia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Neneh
Macdouall-Gaye, said the day is also a day to pay tribute to Mustafa Kemal
Ataturk, founder of the Modern Turkish Nation, for his visionary leadership,
statesmanship and for being an icon whose legacy continues to inspire the
evolution of modern Turkey.
“Your
commitment to modernisation and transformation is indeed remarkable. The
political, economic, social and cultural transformation that you have undergone
over the last decade is equally a source of great inspiration for us – as your
true friend and ally with a shared vision of peaceful and mutually-beneficial
development. We have enormous respect for your proven commitment to democracy
human rights, pluralism, secularism and rule of law,” the Minister said.
Modern
Turkey is a significant player on the international stage. It is no surprise
that they continue to make significant contributions towards the consolidation
of global peace, security and stability, she added.
Hon.
Macdouall-Gaye said The Gambia and Turkey share a common vision of
transformation through modernisation with the pursuit of genuine friendship
with countries of the world.
“We
continue to pursue transformative cooperation built on mutual respect and true
friendship. Our bilateral relations are built through a win-win approach that
yields results and mutual gains for our peoples.
“Turkey
is a true friend of The Gambia. That is why the volume of our trade is growing;
that is why our leaders nurture a shared global vision and; that is why we
stand together in solidarity at critical times.
“We
strongly believe that through partnership and friendship, Turkey has a
significant role to play in Africa’s transformation.”
She
said Turkey’s commitment to the expansion of her circle of friends in Africa is
a commendable initiative and “The Gambia stands ready” to encourage the
deepening of Turkey’s ties with the continent.
“Our
friendship is a special one that should be constantly nurtured,” the foreign
affairs minister noted. “We are committed doing all that is necessary to see
its growth and expansion into new and innovative areas. As we strengthen our
bilateral relations, we should remain inspired by the shared vision and close
personal friendship of our two great leaders.”
Minister
Macdouall-Gaye further outlined some “tangible” cooperation and support Turkey
has rendered to The Gambia.
She
stated: “In our defence and security sector, Turkey continues to offer capacity
building and other forms of support to The Gambia National Army. This has
contributed immensely to their ability to undertake courageous UN peacekeeping
and AU peace support operations beyond our borders. Turkey has also been at the
forefront of providing capacity building support to some of our Ministries,
Departments and institutions.
“The
Turkish International Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) also provided
enormous and critical health and assistance to our people and institutions. The
Agency has also facilitated the training of our diplomats, health professionals
and security personnel.
“Turkey
continues to also award a good number of scholarships to our students who are
studying diverse disciplines. Our peoples are also getting closer through
various exchange visits”
Minister
Macdouall-Gaye said The Gambia would remain grateful to Turkey for its
demonstration of “true friendship and genuine” cooperation.
“You stood by us at critical times; we will
also stand by you in true solidarity at all times,” she stated.
