Naturally partnership is nourished from what is reciprocal in mutual benefits, respect and interest. Above all what remains the intrinsic value in morality, empathy, compassion and concern must be the solid foundation in all situations. When it is tough remain with the friend. When it is rough also remain with the friend. Turkey is without doubt a dependable partner of The Gambia! Over the years the dear nation of Ata Turk through the tireless efforts of current President Erdoğan has demonstrated the best part of the fine traditions of diplomacy with endless technical assistance towards The Gambia. Latter ranges from the "dot-effect" to the "circle effect" where Turkey has expanded its military training to police training then to other facets of our nation's public and private sector. In 2021 I personally was in Ankara with other 11 members of the OIC security sub committee. We were trained on international securities ranging from what is practical to every other ethical and legal methods reserved for specialised training.
In 2022 I was in Instanbul where I attended meetings with various experts during which I was flanked by Mr Abbas Bah Managing director of National Enterprise Development Institute and Ndey Kumba Demba deputy head of brand and communication OIC Secretariat The Gambia. Both official visits are avenues opened for the mutual benefits of our people. Between The Gambia and Turkey within the context of professional line of action, one cannot miss seeing the very essence embedded in people to people relations and state to State relations. When Turkey realized the need for starting flights to ease travel between The Gambia and other parts of the world it stepped in thus started plying the route. Business to Business between Istanbul and Banjul has equally not missed its path. Of course the specifics referenced above is where one is just to say the least. Today a natural disaster has hit our good friend Turkey. It is when we Gambians who are friends of Turkey are needed the most to show solidarity, moral support and send prayers to both the dead and the living. Being attached to a friend with whom you share the same faith is one way or the other a moral obligation. Our prophet Muhammad Sallahaahu Alaihi Wasallam, the messager of Allah to us human beings and Jinns left the word of caring and sharing with us therefore anything else we do would be the contrary of his teachings.
His word is Allah's word. Allah's word is his word as they are connected within divinity and visibility.
On that note I bow before Allah our creator and pray for Him to receive the departed in Aljannah as He is the owner of Aljannah and any other creation here on earth and the hereafter.
I bow before Allah our creator to ease things on Turkey and by extension Syria where the aftermath of a powerful earthquakes has left destruction behind.
Essa Bokarr Sey.
Deputy Chief Executive Officer OIC Secretariat The Gambia.
Security coordinator locally and globally.
Former Ambassador of The Gambia to France, Russia, The Republic of China on Taiwan and United States of America.
