The Turkish Government has organized training for dozens of Gambian protocol officers ahead of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation summit which the country host in November 2019.
Three Turkish protocol officers led by Emre Zeki Karagol, deputy director general of protocol at Turkish Foreign Affairs flew in Gambia with two other colleagues, Yigithan Ozden and Turgay Dagistanli
The training which commenced on March 12 ends of March 14.
Turkey has been instrumental in helping to build the capacity of Gambia as it prepares to host the OIC. Since 2017, Turkey has held several trainings for country’s security forces, particularly the police.
Last week, 30 Gambian police officers were trained by two Turkish police officers on statement and interview analysis.
And Turkish ambassador Ismail Sefa Yuceer said Turkey’s objective is to help Gambia hold a successful OIC summit. Turkey is the current chair of the OIC.
“OIC is one of the greatest events in the world… We are ready to share our experience with our Gambian brothers so that this event will be a success,” said Yuceer.
“My friends and I have realized close to 18 different summits… We are here to share our experiences,” said Emre Zeki Karagol.
“We will share our mistakes so that you do not repeat those…”
Permanent secretary at the Gambia’s Foreign Ministry, Salimatta Touray, said the training “could not have come at a better time”.
“We are heading for OIC summit and we want Gambia to do the best… Our protocol is still young so I will urge the participants to take advantage of this,” added Touray.
The 58 participants also include security and media officers.