Defence Minister Receives European Union Ambassador to The Gambia

The Honourable Minister of Defence His Excellency Sheikh Omar Faye, on Tuesday 13th July 2021 received in audience the European Union Ambassador to The Gambia, His Excellency, Corrado Pampaloni at the Ministry of Defence in State house, Banjul. The purpose of the visit was to enhance partnership and asses possible areas of cooperation.

Delivering the welcoming remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Mrs Ndey Marie Njie Badjie acknowledged the long term relationship with the European Union. She also made recognition of the immense support of the union to the Ministry of Defence in the security sector reform process.

The European Union Ambassador to the Gambia, his Excellency Corrado Pampaloni, on his part assured the Union’s continuous support and partnership with the Ministry of Defence. Part of the agenda of the courtesy call, he said, was to gain more knowledge on the progress and achievements of the security sector reform process and explore areas of cooperation.

The Honourable Minister of Defence, His Excellency Sheikh Omar Faye On behalf of His Excellency the President of the Republic of the Gambia, Mr Adama Barrow and the Gambian people, thanked the European Union for the unflinching support they continuously render in the areas of Defence and security. The Honourable Minister of Defence however went on to highlight various challenges and areas of crucial need.

In a separate but similar development, the Honourable Minister of Defence His Excellency Sheikh Omar Faye received the final draft report of the Gambia National Defence Policy, presented by members of the Defence Policy Drafting Committee, led by the chairman, Honourable Sheriff Gomez. This comes after months of deliberation and collaborations with various stakeholders to draft the first ever National Defence Policy of the Gambia.

While highlighting on the significance of the document, Honourable Sheriff Gomez deliberated on the most crucial parts captured in the Policy, adding the Defence policy is apt and timely.

After the Presentation of the final draft, the Ministry of Defence is expected to critically analyse the document submitted, make consideration for subsequent validation.