The Turkish government has donated military equipment to Gambian army on Monday at the country’s defense headquarters in Banjul.
Among the donated items were 5000 sets of uniforms, 1359 cartridges and belts, 5000 water bottles, 50 five-man tents and 50 twenty-man tents.
Gambia’s deputy chief of staff, Major General Yankuba Drammeh, said the donated items will enhance the operational readiness of the Gambian forces.
“This is not the first time we have been receiving gifts from the Turkish government and the Turkish Armed Forces… The gesture spans three decades and the relations is characterized by mutual trust, understanding and high sense of cooperation between our two armed forces and by extension between our two governments and people…,” said Drammeh.
“These items will be put to good use. It comes at a time when the armed forces is going through some transformation and these will enhance our operational readiness.”
Turkish military and their Gambian counterparts have established relations since in 1980s and currently a Turkish military attaché is in the country.
About 1500 Gambian military officials have received their training in Turkey in recent years
The Turkish ambassador to the Gambia, Ismail Sefa Yuceer, said Turkey is committed to intensifying its support to the Gambia Armed Forces in the areas of training and logistical support.
“Within this framework every year Turkey will provide Gambia Armed Forces with logistical assistance with the exceptions of arms,” Yuceer said.