Banjul,16 September 2026: Outgoing Turkish Ambassador to The Gambia, H.E. Fahri Türker Oba, has described relations between Ankara and Banjul as “excellent” as he bids farewell after two and a half years of service in the country.
Speaking at a farewell breakfast press conference at the Turkish Embassy in Brusubi on Thursday, Ambassador Oba thanked the media for its role in informing the public about the work of the embassy and its contribution to strengthening relations between the two countries.
“Without the media, all of our work will only be half, or maybe one third, reflected,” he said.
The ambassador also thanked his embassy team for their support during his tenure and introduced his successor, Mr. Özgür Gökmen.
Ambassador Oba described The Gambia as “a gem” and “a place of tranquility in a very complex zone of the world.” He praised the country for what he described as its unique ability to resolve its challenges internally.
“Our instruction is having a fruitful relationship with a developing Gambia,” he said, explaining that Turkey’s approach to development cooperation is based on responding to Gambian priorities.
“When we do programs, our programs are always we ask the Gambian side, ‘What would you like to do?’ We don’t just say we have this program, take it or leave it,” he said.
Defence and security cooperation remain at the centre of Gambia-Turkey relations, which Ambassador Oba described as the “spinal cord” of bilateral ties since the 1990s.
He highlighted regular joint training programmes involving the Gambia Armed Forces, Gambia Police Force and the Police Intervention Unit (PIU). Among these was a recent training-of-trainers programme focused on election security.
The ambassador also cited equipment donations made during his tenure, including armoured personnel carriers provided to The Gambia.
Development cooperation through the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) has also been a major component of the partnership, with Ambassador Oba saying approximately 15 projects are implemented each year.
Among the projects he highlighted were support for the University of The Gambia’s waste-management efforts under the Zero Waste Initiative, projects at the Mansa Konko Rural Development Institute, a women’s garden in Pirang and support for the psychiatric ward at Tanka Tanka Psychiatric Hospital.
He also cited training on erosion management conducted in cooperation with the Ministry of Environment.
“We try to have different types of projects that touch the population and public opinion,” he said.
On culture and education, Ambassador Oba said bilateral ties had deepened following the opening of the Yunus Emre Cultural Centre in May 2024.
Turkish language classes are now being offered at the University of The Gambia (UTG) and in senior secondary schools, he said.
He also highlighted Turkey’s scholarship programme for Gambian students, stressing that the ultimate objective is for beneficiaries to return home and contribute to national development.
“Our objective is to train them and to make sure that they come back and serve their beloved country,” he said.
The ambassador further praised MARIF schools for their expansion in The Gambia and highlighted an internship programme with UTG that, he said, has helped graduates secure employment.
On trade, Ambassador Oba said annual bilateral trade volume currently ranges between $70 million and $85 million.
Turkey, he said, is working to increase imports of Gambian products, including sesame, cashew nuts and fisheries products. Turkish support is also being provided to local businesses to enable them to meet required hygiene and halal standards.
He added that energy cooperation is another area with potential for expansion, noting that Turkish companies have expressed interest in solar power and other investment opportunities in The Gambia.
Concluding his remarks, Ambassador Oba thanked Gambian institutions for their cooperation and support throughout his tenure.
He said he would continue to serve as an “honorary ambassador” for The Gambia and pledged to support Gambian delegations visiting Turkey whenever possible.
“This country has given a lot to me, so I will be happy to try to give back to the people of The Gambia,” he said.
By Harry Bah
Gambia News Agency
