Africa-Press – Gambia. On Wednesday, October 29th, 2025, the Turkish Embassy in Banjul hosted a special celebration marking the 102nd anniversary of the proclamation of the Turkish Republic.
The event brought together Gambian and Turkish officials to commemorate this historic milestone and reflect on the strong bilateral relationship between the two nations.
Turkish Ambassador to The Gambia, Honorable Fahr Turker, addressed the gathering with pride, explaining how Turkey has positioned itself as “a proactive and responsible actor in international affairs, constructively contributing to the resolution of problems.” He emphasizes that the relationship with The Gambia exemplifies Turkey’s foreign policy approach, which is built on mutual respect, solidarity, and shared values.
The ambassador spoke passionately about President Erdogan’s leadership, noting how Turkey has been working toward “the establishment of an effective, just, and inclusive international order that will eliminate global injustices.”
The celebration held special significance as it commemorated October 29th, 1923 – the day Turkey was proclaimed a republic. The event served as a moment to honor all those who contributed to the foundation and defense of the Turkish nation.
Ambassador Turker highlighted recent diplomatic progress, mentioning productive high-level meetings between the two countries. “In August and October, our Ministers of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Energy had fruitful meetings. We enjoy strong cooperation in international forums,” he shared.
The partnership between Turkey and The Gambia has flourished across multiple sectors over the years, including security, defense, education, capacity-building, health, agriculture, and trade.
Gambian Defense Minister Serign Modou Faye spoke about the diplomatic journey, explaining how “since the establishment of diplomatic ties, our two nations have nurtured a relationship anchored in mutual respect, solidarity, and shared values.”
He noted that both countries have consistently supported each other in multilateral frameworks, particularly within the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.
A significant milestone in their economic relationship came with the establishment of the Joint Economic Commission in 2014, which created a dynamic platform for promoting trade, investment, and economic dialogue. The results have been impressive – trade relations have grown substantially, reaching over $88 million USD in 2020, with continued prospects for growth.
Minister Faye also acknowledged Turkey’s valuable support in training Gambian diplomats who serve in embassies around the world, strengthening The Gambia’s diplomatic capacity.
The celebration concluded with renewed commitments from both sides. A Gambian minister (identified as Minister Njie) reaffirmed The Gambia’s dedication to strengthening its partnership with Turkey, stating: “Together, we can explore new avenues of cooperation, address shared challenges, and seize emerging opportunities for the mutual benefit of our people.”
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