The training is courtesy of the Government of Indonesia. It was aimed at enhancing participants’ knowledge on protocol and international conference management as The Gambia prepares for the hosting of the 15th Islamic Summit.
Yankuba Dibba, Chief Executive Officer for the Organization of Islamic Conference - Gambia Secretariat expressed gratitude to the Indonesian team for training Gambian protocol officers.
"We are gearing towards hosting the 15th summit of the OIC. Without a doubt we need capacity because this is the first time we are hosting a big global activity like this," he said.
"It is within this regards that we count on the support of our colleagues such as the Indonesian government to assist in building the capacity of our protocol officers in The Gambia."
"Once The Gambia hosts the summit it will be the chair for the next three years and there will be numerous meetings that need excellent protocol services," he added.
Dyah Kuncorowati, Protocol & Consular at the Indonesian Embassy, Dakar said the capacity-building training is part of the cooperation between the governments of Indonesia and The Gambia.
"The training aimed to share experiences and best practices in organising international conferences," he added.
Lang Yabou, permanent secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the hope trainees knowledge will help in the country’s readiness in hosting the summit.
"The OIC summit is a big feast that recognises the support of all member countries to strengthen the security sector, judiciary and other institutions."
"The role of protocol officers is always paramount hence the importance of building capacity of protocol officers, security agents and other officers dealing with protocol issues is important," he stated.
"As a government and country we take seriously the hosting of the OIC Summit," he also said.
