By: Fatou Krubally
The Writers’ Association of The Gambia (WAG) on Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Yunus Emre Institute in Banjul, marking a new chapter in cultural and literary cooperation between The Gambia and Türkiye.
The ceremony, held at the Yunus Emre Institute in Kololi, was attended by the Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to The Gambia, Turker Oba, alongside members of WAG.
Delivering the opening remarks, Ambassador Oba described the agreement as a significant step toward strengthening cultural diplomacy, noting that the institute established just over a year ago has already made notable strides.
He said the partnership would pave the way for cooperation in literature and knowledge exchange, with several projects already outlined for implementation.
“We are interested not only in presenting our culture to The Gambia but also in learning from Gambian culture,” he stated.
In his remarks, WAG President, Cherno Barry, described the signing as both an honour and a strategic move to promote literature and cultural exchange.
He highlighted the role of cultural diplomacy in fostering mutual understanding, noting that literature provides a shared platform for nations to connect.
Professor Barry disclosed that the agreement will support initiatives such as book launches, conferences, and the establishment of a space within the institute’s library dedicated to Gambian authors.
He added that the venue would be made available to local writers, offering new opportunities for visibility and engagement.
He further stressed that exposure to other cultures enhances appreciation of one’s own, adding that the partnership would help broaden the horizons of Gambian writers and readers alike.
The MoU is expected to facilitate sustained collaboration between the two institutions, with both sides expressing commitment to implementing agreed programmes aimed at strengthening literary development and cultural exchange in The Gambia.