Aja Dr Isatou Njie-Saidy, vice president and minister of Women's Affairs, who also doubles as the chairperson of the National Security Council, yesterday, decorated and conferred a special award on Colonel Bullent Blute, a departing Turkish military adviser, who has just concluded his mission in The Gambia, at a ceremony held at her office at State House, Banjul.   

In her statement during the decoration ceremony, Vice President Njie-Saidy commended Col. Blute for his invaluable contribution towards enhancing the capacity of The Gambia Armed Forces, describing the award conferred on him as  something well "deserved". According to the vice president, Col. Blute was diligent and committed in the execution of his duties during his tenure in the country. She further acknowledged with appreciation, Blute's remarkable contribution to the development of the Gambia Armed Forces and the strengthening of cooperation between Banjul and Istanbul.

Vice President Njie-Saidy then used the ocassion to challenge Col. Mahmoud Chalaya, the incoming Turkish military adviser, who accompanied Blute to live up to standard just as his predecessor did. She also assured Chalaya of Gambia government's full support and cooperation for a mutual cooperation between the two countries. For his part, Lieutenant General Langtombong Tamba, chief of defence staff of The Gambia Armed Forces, said the award conferred on Blute is only given to those who have gone extra miles in the execution of their duties.

Like  Vice President Njie-Saidy, Lt. General Tamba also commended Col. Blute for his hard work and dedication to duty while serving his term in the country, making reference to a training of over 900 army recruits in a single intake, in the success of which Blute has  committed his valuable time. According to him, the award is in recognition of Col. Blute's immense contribution to the development and enhancement of The Gambia Armed Forces, stating that "not only did Blute live up to standard, but he has also fitted himself well in The Gambian security".

The outgoing and incoming Turkish military advisers Colonel Bullent Blute and Col. Mahmoud Chalaya respectively, both saluted the vice president and commended her for the  achievements registered in her national development efforts, including peace and stability under the leadership of The Gambian head of state, His Excellency Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh. Blute thanked the Chief of Defence Staff Tamba and his officers for their cooperation during his tenure.