The Gambia and Turkey are strengthening their bilateral ties in several sectors. Turkey’s Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu has that his country is working to increase its bilateral trade volume with the Gambia to $40 million (D1.9 billion).

Cavusoglu made this undertaking in Ankara on Thursday during a joint news conference with his Gambian counterpart Mamadou Tangara.

“Turkey and Gambia aim to build bridges in every field,” he said.

He noted that Turkish Airlines flies to 55 destination in Africa.

“Upon the orders of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkish Airlines flies to Banjul twice a week and this number will increase to three on May 1.”

Cavusoglu also promised to support development projects in the Gambia and give scholarships to students.

Foreign Minister Tangara praised the Gambia-Turkey relation and for the country’s strong ties with African nations.

Tangara said that the Gambia welcomes Turkey’s support in all fields and that, “the Gambia will always stand by Turkey.” He said Turkey has long been providing support to Gambia’s security.

He said the Gambia was open for business and invited Turkish businesses and entrepreneurs to invest in the country.