Africa-Press – Gambia. The Deputy Speaker of The Gambia’s National Assembly, Hon. Seedy S.K. Njie, held high-level discussions on Monday with Dr. Arnold Kammel, Minister and Secretary General of the Austrian Ministry of Defence, aimed at enhancing bilateral defense and military cooperation. The meeting took place at the Ministry’s headquarters in Vienna, according to a statement issued by the Deputy Speaker’s office.
The discussions, the statement disclosed, centered on advancing collaboration between the two nations’ defense institutions, with a focus on logistical support, human resource development, and capacity building for the Gambia Armed Forces (GAF). Notably, the statement revealed that Austria reaffirmed its commitment to provide scholarship opportunities for GAF personnel at prestigious Austrian military institutions, including the Austrian Defence Academy, Military Academy, Staff Colleges, and the National Defence University.
“Key areas explored included logistical and human resource support for the Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) through the European Union Peace Facility (EPF), capacity building, housing schemes for the GAF personnel and training opportunities at renowned Austrian military institutions such as the Austrian Defence Academy, Military Academy, Staff Colleges, and the National Defence University. Additionally, peacekeeping training and deployment readiness were addressed as critical components of the partnership,” The statement said.
The statement further noted that Dr. Kammel informed Deputy Speaker Njie of Austria’s approval of The Gambia’s request for scholarship opportunities for GAF personnel. He emphasized that the necessary bilateral and diplomatic processes would be initiated to ensure smooth implementation of the support. Additionally, Austria reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for The Gambia at the international level to help secure further funding aimed at bolstering the country’s defense and security capabilities.
“Major General Mag. Ronald Vartok, Head of the Directorate for Defence Policy and International Relations, thanked the Deputy Speaker for the visit and underscored the Austrian Armed Forces’ readiness to collaborate closely with their Gambian counterparts,” The statement said.
The statement further noted that during the meeting, Hon. Njie underscored the Gambian government’s steadfast commitment to the professionalization of its armed forces, the enhancement of national security capabilities, and the promotion of democratic civil-military relations. He also emphasized the critical role of the National Assembly in ensuring legislative oversight of the security sector and contributing to the development of defense policy and legal frameworks.
A key highlight of the engagement was The Gambia’s expressed interest in accessing the European Union’s Peace Facility (EPF)—a funding mechanism designed to strengthen the capacities of partner nations in peace support operations, crisis management, and military infrastructure development.
“Dr. Kammel expressed Austria’s openness to deepening dialogue and cooperation, recognizing The Gambia’s growing contribution to regional stability and democratic consolidation. He commended the National Assembly’s proactive diplomatic engagement and its dedication to peace and security across the African continent,” The statement said.
The statement further highlighted that the visit marks a significant milestone in the National Assembly’s diplomatic engagement, aligning with The Gambia’s broader foreign policy objective of forging strategic partnerships with European allies to advance peacebuilding, defense preparedness, and regional cooperation.
It also noted that Dr. Kammel recalled his recent official visit to Banjul, where he held discussions with General Sering Momodou Njie and met with Deputy Speaker Njie to deepen bilateral ties.
Present at the meeting were Major General Günther Barnet, Senior Expert at the Directorate General for Defence Policy, and Colonel Ortwin Gammer, Country Desk Officer.
Deputy Speaker Njie was accompanied by Mr. Sainey Konteh, Director of the Table Office, and H.E. Kronsteiner, the Gambian Consul in Vienna.
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