Banjul,15 September 2026: The outgoing Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to The Gambia, His Excellency Fahri Türker Oba on Thursay bade farewell to President Adama Barrow at State House in Banjul.
Ambassador Oba expressed appreciation to President Barrow, the First Family and the Government of The Gambia for the support and cooperation accorded him throughout his tour of duty, which he described as a successful one.
During his tenure, Ambassador Oba said the relationship between the two countries was further diversified through increased people-to-people exchanges, including activities facilitated by the Turkish Cultural Centre, as well as support for grassroots initiatives.
President Barrow commended the outgoing Ambassador for his contribution to strengthening bilateral relations between The Gambia and Türkiye.
“You have raised the bar and strengthened this relationship,” President Barrow said, while conveying his sincere greetings to the President of the Republic of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
President Barrow described President Erdoğan as a leader who “loves Africa and respects African leaders,” and recalled his historic state visit to The Gambia in 2020, which, he said, helped pave the way for stronger, reliable and result-oriented diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The President expressed optimism that the relations between The Gambia and Türkiye would continue to grow and yield greater benefits for both countries.
He also noted ongoing diplomatic engagements concerning residence permits for Gambian nationals in Türkiye, as well as efforts by the Turkish authorities to streamline visa processing for Gambian applicants.
Bilateral relations between The Gambia and Türkiye have continued to expand across several areas, including education, health, capacity building and peacekeeping. Türkiye has provided scholarships to Gambian students, supported capacity-building initiatives for Gambian diplomats and contributed to The Gambia’s peacekeeping engagements.
The farewell audience underscored the longstanding friendship and growing bilateral cooperation between The Gambia and Türkiye.
Ambassador Oba, who has been redeployed to the Republic of Sudan, was accompanied to State House by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, Honourable Serign Modou Njie, and senior officials of the Ministry.
Gambia News Agency
