By Halal Abdallah
The Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) on Thursday graduated a group of personnel who successfully completed a nine-month Turkish language course at Fajara Barracks, aimed at strengthening bilateral military cooperation between The Gambia and Türkiye.
The programme was facilitated by Turkish language instructor Hussein Altantas and formed part of efforts to enhance the professional capacity of GAF personnel while deepening the longstanding relations between the two countries.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Major Abdoulie Secka, of the Chief of Defence Staff Training School, described the occasion as a significant milestone reflecting the dedication, perseverance and commitment of the participants throughout the programme.
He commended both the instructor and the graduating personnel for their efforts and encouraged them to apply the knowledge acquired in strengthening cooperation with their Turkish counterparts.
Addressing the ceremony, Altantas thanked the Gambia Armed Forces for their support and praised the participants for their commitment during the nine-month training.
He expressed confidence that the language skills acquired would contribute to closer cooperation, improved communication and greater mutual understanding between The Gambia and Türkiye.
Delivering the vote of thanks on behalf of the graduates, Corporal Ansuma Manneh said the programme had gone beyond language learning by providing participants with a deeper understanding of Turkish culture, history and the enduring friendship between the two countries.
He noted that the training would help strengthen people-to-people ties and further enhance bilateral cooperation.
The graduation ceremony marked the successful completion of the nine-month programme and reaffirmed the commitment of The Gambia Armed Forces and their Turkish partners to promoting military cooperation through education, training and cultural exchange.