It would be recalled that on 29 October 1923, under the visionary leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the people of Türkiye laid the foundation of a modern, democratic, and sovereign nation.
Addressing the gathering, Fahr Turker Oba, Ambassador of Turkiye to The Gambia, recalled that on this very day in 1923, under the visionary leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the people of Türkiye laid the foundation of a modern, democratic, and sovereign nation.
He stated: “The Republic has since become a beacon of resilience and progress, guided by Atatürk’s timeless vision: “Peace at Home, Peace in the World.”
This pioneering principle, he added, is still guiding the country today and that despite all the horrific developments - wars, conflicts, crises and challenges in the world, Türkiye continues to be an island of stability in her region.
To that end, he paid glowing tribute to the founder of their Republic, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and his comrades-in-arms with respect and gratitude.
As they mark more than a century of Republic, Ambassador Oba assured that his country stands as a proactive and responsible actor in international affairs, constructively contributing to the resolution of problems.
He made reference to his country’s active mediation efforts, including its initiatives in the Russia-Ukraine dialogue, the Somalia-Ethiopia dispute, and the Afghanistan-Pakistan context; reflecting Türkiye’s firm commitment to diplomacy, dialogue, and regional stability.
Under the leadership of President Erdoğan, he added, Türkiye has been striving for the establishment of an effective, just and inclusive international order that will eliminate global injustices.
On bilateral relations with The Gambia, Ambassador Oba maintained that the relationship represents a shining example of the foreign policy rooted in mutual respect, solidarity and shared values.
He said: “We are working to strengthen relations between The Gambia and Türkiye through high-level meetings. In August and October our Minister of Foreign Affairs and Ministers of Energies had fruitful meetings. We enjoy a strong cooperation in international fora too.”
In light of this, he extends special gratitude to both leaders, H.E. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and H.E. President Adama Barrow for facilitating their relations to flourish.
He also referenced how Türkiye remains committed to Gambia’s cause, saying they commend and support Gambia’s OIC chairmanship and Gambian initiatives in the international arena, such as the case filed for the Rohingya at the International Court of Justice and its rightful stance against Israeli attacks in Gaza, which disregard international law.
Ambassador Oba also spoke about the existing cooperation between the two countries, which cuts across such sectors and fields as security, defence, education, capacity building, health, agriculture and trade.
For his part, Sering Modou Njie, Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, extended heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to His Excellency, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the brotherly People and Government of the Republic of Türkiye on the occasion of their National Day.
Minister Njie described Türkiye National Day as a historic milestone, as it is the day the Republic of Türkiye was proclaimed, ushering in a new era under the visionary leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the nation’s founding father and first President.
“This momentous occasion symbolizes Türkiye’s transformation from a monarchy into a modern, secular, and democratic state, guided by the values of progress, unity, and national pride,” he noted.
The Gambia’s Foreign Minister also talked about the existing bond that binds the two countries, saying the bonds of friendship between Banjul and Ankara date back to 1965, the year of The Gambia’s independence.
Since then, he said, the two nations have nurtured a relationship anchored in mutual respect, solidarity, and shared values.
“Both countries have consistently supported each other within multilateral frameworks, particularly the United Nations (UN) and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC),” he said. “In 2011, the opening of diplomatic missions in Banjul and Ankara further strengthened our cooperation and deepened the historical and spiritual connections that bind our peoples as sister-Muslim nations.”
Minister Njie also recalled that in February 2018, President Adama Barrow paid an official visit to Ankara, reaffirming “our shared commitment to closer cooperation”.
That, he added, was reciprocated in January 2020 when President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan made a historic visit to Banjul - the first ever by a Turkish President, further cementing the enduring friendship between the two nations.
A draw was held where two lucky winners won two air tickets with Turkish Airlines. Guests at the reception were treated to a cultural display by Gambia Academy students.
