Turkey trains Gambian protocol officers for OIC summit

By Mustapha K Darboe

BANJUL, Gambia (AA) - Turkish government organized a protocol training program for dozens of Gambian officers ahead of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) summit slated for November.

The Turkish team -- led by Emre Zeki Karagol, deputy director general for protocol at the Turkish Foreign Ministry, included colleagues Yigithan Ozden and Turgay Dagistanli.

Two-days program ended on Tuesday. Among 58 participants were security officials and media officers.

“My friends and I have held around 18 different meetings … We are here to share our experiences,” said Emre Zeki Karagol.

“We will share our mistakes so that you do not repeat those …”

Salimatta Touray, permanent secretary at Gambia’s Foreign Ministry, said the training “could not have come at a better time”.

“We are heading for the 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,” Touray added.

Turkey has been instrumental in helping to build the capacity of Gambia as it prepares to host the OIC in several areas. Since 2017, Turkey has organized several training programs for country’s security forces, particularly the police.

Turkey's ambassador in Banjul Ismail Sefa Yuceer said Turkey’s aim 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.

Last week, 30 Gambian police officers were trained by two Turkish police officers on statement and interview analysis.