Deputies at the National Assembly Wednesday considered and ratified the Security Agreement Cooperation between the Government of The Republic of The Gambia and the Government of the Republic of Turkey during the second sitting of the National Assembly in the 2012 Legislative Year.

Ousman Sonko, the minister of Interior, who laid the motion before deputies said the Governments ofThe Gambia andTurkey are aware of the criminal phenomena linked to terrorism, organised crime and illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs and human trafficking, which can considerably affect both countries and become a threat to public order and security.

“Both countries recognise the importance of international cooperation in the fight against organised crime, terrorism, trafficking in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances and human trafficking hence the need to cooperate to fight these menaces,” he said.

According to him, both countries cognizant of the increasing trend of acts of terrorism and other forms of any crime, have acknowledged that a Security Cooperation Agreement can be a tool towards this effective legal cooperation instrument to strengthen the fight against transnational crime.

He continued: “My Ministry is deeply concerned about the negative impact of organised crime, terrorism and the illicit drug trade on security, peace and national development. The Republic of The Gambia and the Republic of Turkey viewed with concern the proliferation of transnational crimes, acts of terrorism that threaten the security, peace and stability of nation states. Therefore there is the need for the two countries to enhance our cooperation in combating transnational crime and terrorism, and the illicit trade in narcotic drugs.”

The Interior minister explained that the Security Agreement Cooperation will include among other things, fighting against serious crime, particularly against crimes related to terrorism, organised crime, smuggling of migrants, trafficking in human beings, narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.

“This will also include the conduct of investigations into crime, such as money laundering, cyber crimes, smuggling of cultural and natural properties, illicit production of and trafficking in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substance,” he added.

He opined that the fight against international terrorism and transnational organised crime is only possible through enhanced international cooperation, while calling on the National Assembly to consider and ratify the motion.

Hon. Abdoulie Kangie Jawla, NAM for Sandu Constituency, who seconded the motion, thanked Minister Sonko for the wonderful motion. Hon. Fabakary Tombong Jatta, Majority leader and NAM for Serrekunda East, also thanked Minister Sonko. He said that the best way of curbing transnational crimes, drug trafficking, terrorism and other crimes is through multilateral or bilateral cooperation.

Other speakers included Hon. Baboucarr Nyang of Banjul South; Hon. Abdou Colley, NAM for Kombo South; Hon. Pa Malick Ceesay, NAM for Lower Saloum; Hon. Seedy SK Njie, a nominated member; Hon. Haddy Nyang-Jagne of Jeshwang Constituency; and Hon. Babou Gaye Sonko, a nominated member. They all supported the Agreement Cooperation between the Government of the Republic of The Gambia and the Government of Turkey.