Cavusoglu highlights rising Turkish-African relations

ANKARA

Marking Africa Day, Turkey's foreign minister Thursday spotlighted the strengthening relations between Turkey and Africa in a guest column published in English-language Daily Sabah.

In his column “Africa and Turkey at threshold of a lasting partnership,” Mevlut Cavusoglu wrote that Africa's “immense change” is being fueled by the "hard work, resilience and perseverance of Africans young and old who are determined to turn the page of poverty."

He continued, "As we look to the future, Turkey is determined more than ever to extend its cooperation with Africa into new domains. We are seeking to develop mutually beneficial partnerships that will assist in building a solid foundation for relations that are long lasting and productive."

Turkey's top diplomat mentioned the deep roots of Turkish-African relations dating back to the Ottoman era.

Turning to recent developments, he wrote, "Our national carrier Turkish Airlines recently added Conakry [Guinea’s capital] as its 51st destination on the continent. As we facilitate transportation to and from 32 countries on the continent, we are also promoting the interaction of Africans with Turkey and also with the world."

Turkey’s political will

"I also wish to underscore the resoluteness of our political will to work with Africa," Cavusoglu said, adding that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan places the "utmost importance" on the continent.

"He not only visits African nations and receives their leaders in Turkey but also encourages businesses, universities, NGOs, research centers and ordinary citizens to engage in mutually empowering relations. He builds mutual trust, confidence and benefit for all so that all issues are addressed in an open and candid manner."

Diplomatic presence

"I should also underline that our diplomatic presence on the continent is increasing ever rapidly. Today, 39 Turkish embassies operate in different African countries. There is also a considerable increase in the number of African embassies in Ankara, with the number rising to 33, most recently with the opening of the Tanzanian Embassy," Cavusoglu wrote.

"In conclusion, I would like to underline that our vision of cooperation with Africa rests on a policy of reciprocal gain based on equality, transparency and sustainability. Through our enterprising and humanitarian policy we are extending our hand to Africa. We are glad to see that our motivation is shared by our African brothers and sisters who possess a vision of a better Africa," he said.

The anniversary of the foundation of the Organization of African Unity on May 25, 1963 is celebrated every year all around the world as Africa Day.

Cavusoglu’s full column can be read at Daily Sabah’s website: https://www.dailysabah.com/op-ed/2017/05/25/africa-and-turkey-at-threshold-of-a-lasting-partnership