The Chief of Army Staff of the Bangladesh Army General Sheikh Mohammad Shariuddin Ahmed on Monday 12th June 2023 paid a courtesy call on the Honourable Minister of Defence Brigadier General (Retd) Sering Modou Njie at the Ministry’s complex in Banjul.
It could recall that in February 2023, the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad Dr. Mamadou Tangara accompanied by the Honourabe Minister of Defence Brigadier General (Retd) Sering Modou Njie and Senior Officers of the Gambia Armed Forces embarked on an Official visit to the People’s Republic of Bangladesh and paid a Courtesy Call on the Prime Minister, Her Excellency Sheikh Hasina. Discussions of that visit mainly focused on an Agreement to co-deploy troops of the two countries to a suitable UN Peacekeeping Mission, strengthening the bilateral cooperation between the two countries, and the maintenance of international peace and security in the sub-region.
Speaking earlier the Honourable Minister of Defence, Brigadier General (Retd) Sering Modou Njie on behalf of His Excellency the President of the Republic of the Gambia and Commander-In-Chief of the Gambia Armed Forces Mr. Adama Barrow expressed utmost delight in receiving the Chief of Army Staff of the Bangladesh Army and his delegation. In delivering his remarks, the Minister of Defence underscored the significance of the long standing relationship between the two countries, highlighting numerous partnerships that continued to yield tangible results for both countries.
The co-deployment agreement between the Republic of the Gambia and the People’s Republic of Bangladesh if signed will harness additional benefit to the two countries in the UN Peacekeeping Missions and ensure their contribution to the maintenance of peace and stability in the region Minister Njie added. The Retired General gave assurance of his Ministry’s continued support and collaboration with the Bangladesh Army in the areas of Defence and Security. The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Mrs. Rohie Bittaye-Darboe delivered the welcoming remarks.
The Chief of Army Staff of the Bangladesh Army General Sheikh Mohammad Shariuddin Ahmed on behalf of his delegation registered appreciation for the warm reception accorded to him and members of his Delegation. General Sheikh M.S Ahmed went on to give an insightful deliberation on the purpose of his visit, outlining the Co Deployment Agreement as the area of focus. According to the top General, the Government of Bangladesh is keen in working with the Government of the Gambia in strengthening the bilateral relations in areas of mutual interest.
General Shiekh Mohammad Shariuddin Ahmed and Delegation is expected to pay a similar Courtesy call to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad Dr. Mamadou Tangara and finally conduct a tour of inspection of equipment, Troops readiness and Demo exercises at the Gambia Armed Forces Training School in Fajara.