The discussions focused on enhancing defense and military cooperation between The Gambia and Austria. Key areas explored included logistical and human resource support for the Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) through the European Union Peace Facility (EPF), capacity building, housing scheme for the GAF personnel and training opportunities at renowned Austrian military institutions such as the Austrian Defence Academy, Military Academy, Staff Colleges, and the National Defence University. Additionally, peacekeeping training and deployment readiness were addressed as critical components of the partnership.
Dr. Kammel informed Deputy Speaker Njie that the Ministry had accepted The Gambia’s request for scholarship slots to be provided by Austria for GAF personnel. He emphasized that necessary bilateral and diplomatic arrangements would follow to facilitate this support. Furthermore, Austria pledged to continue advocating for The Gambia at the international level to secure additional funding aimed at strengthening the country’s defense and security capabilities.
Major General Mag. Ronald Vartok, Head of the Directorate for Defence Policy and International Relations, thanked the Deputy Speaker for the visit and underscored the Austrian Armed Forces’ readiness to collaborate closely with their Gambian counterparts.
During the engagement, Hon. Njie emphasized The Gambian government’s ongoing commitment to professionalizing its armed forces, strengthening national security capabilities, and fostering democratic civil-military relations. He further highlighted the National Assembly’s pivotal role in providing legislative oversight of the security sector and contributing to defense policy and legal formulation.
A significant highlight of the meeting was The Gambia’s interest in accessing the EPF grant, an EU funding mechanism aimed at enhancing the capacities of partner countries in peace support operations, crisis management, and military infrastructure development.
Dr. Kammel expressed Austria’s openness to deepening dialogue and cooperation, recognizing The Gambia’s growing contribution to regional stability and democratic consolidation. He commended the National Assembly’s proactive diplomatic engagement and its dedication to peace and security across the African continent.
This visit underscores a milestone in the National Assembly’s diplomatic outreach and reflects The Gambia’s broader foreign policy vision of establishing strategic partnerships with European allies to promote peacebuilding, defense readiness, and regional collaboration.
Dr. Kammel also recounted his recent official visit to Banjul, where he engaged with his counterpart, General Sering Momodou Njie, and met with Deputy Speaker Njie to further bilateral relations.
Also in attendance were Major General Günther Barnet, Senior Expert, Directorate General for Defence Policy, and Colonel Ortwin Gammer, Country Desk Officer.
Accompanying the Deputy Speaker were Mr. Sainey Konteh, Director of the Table Office, and H.E. Kronsteiner, Gambian Consul in Vienna.
