Gambiaj.com – (VIENA) – Austria has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the Gambian Armed Forces (GAF) through advanced training and capacity-building initiatives, as well as assisting Banjul in accessing international funds to bolster its defense and security capabilities.

Seedy SK Njie, Deputy Speaker of The Gambia’s National Assembly, met with Arnold Kammel, Minister and Secretary General of the Austrian Ministry of Defence, in Vienna to explore opportunities for enhanced military cooperation.

The talks focused on logistical support, human resource development, and comprehensive upgrades to the GAF’s operational capabilities.

According to an official statement following the meeting, both parties identified key areas of partnership, including “logistical and human resource support for the GAF through the European Union Peace Facility (EPF), capacity building, housing schemes for GAF personnel, and training opportunities at renowned Austrian military institutions such as the Austrian Defense Academy, Military Academy, Staff Colleges, and the National Defense University.”

Significantly, the discussions also addressed deployment readiness and peacekeeping training as critical components of the collaboration. “These measures aim to ensure that Gambian troops are equipped with the skills and knowledge to respond effectively to evolving security challenges,” the statement noted.

Beyond direct military engagement, Kammel assured Njie of Austria’s broader diplomatic efforts to champion The Gambia’s case for increased defense and security funding at the international level.

This pledge aligns with Austria’s strategic approach to support stability in West Africa, given the region’s growing impact on European security due to climate change and transnational crime.

The meeting builds on the momentum established during Kammel’s visit to Banjul in December 2024, which saw the signing of a technical agreement for joint training on ammunition storage — marking the first official Austrian visit to The Gambia.

Austrian Defence Minister Klaudia Tanner described such partnerships as vital, noting that “Austrian soldiers have been deployed abroad for over 60 years. In view of security policy developments in West Africa and the Sahel region, Austria is assuming responsibility: our armed forces are contributing to international stability and peacekeeping. Training cooperations, for example in Gambia, provide local armed forces with the knowledge to ensure greater regional security themselves.”

Austria and The Gambia have shared diplomatic ties since 1970, though their economic links remain limited.

Last year, Austria exported $8.5 million worth of goods to The Gambia without recording any imports. Nonetheless, the recent defense discussions signal a deepening of security cooperation between the two countries, with an emphasis on training and ensuring readiness for future peacekeeping deployments.