Türkiye seeks to strengthen ties with Africa at upcoming summit

Türkiye is set to reaffirm its dedication to strengthening ties with Africa in a more institutional framework at a key summit in Djibouti, where its foreign minister will engage with counterparts from 14 African nations.

According to diplomatic sources, the third ministerial review conference between Türkiye and the African Union will be held on November 2 and 3, Caliber.Az reports citing Turkish media.

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will meet with top diplomats from Egypt, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, Libya, Djibouti, Chad, South Sudan, Comoros, Ghana, Angola, and Mauritania.

Since 2008, Türkiye has been one of nine strategic partners of the African Union and places a high priority on developing and diversifying its relationships with the continent. Through regular summits at both the leadership and ministerial levels, the two sides coordinate and implement action plans to advance their partnership.

Sources indicate that Fidan will highlight that relations with Africa are a cornerstone of Turkish foreign policy, emphasizing that Türkiye-Africa ties are based on mutual respect and interest and are being developed systematically and institutionally.

He will stress Türkiye's commitment to supporting the economic and social development of the continent in alignment with the priorities and needs identified by African countries themselves.

Fidan will also reaffirm Türkiye's ongoing contributions to Africa's peace and stability, as well as its support for Africa's efforts to enhance its presence and influence in global politics and international forums, including the United Nations.

During the summit, participants will review the implementation of decisions made at the 2021 Türkiye-Africa Partnership Summit across various sectors, including peace, security, governance, trade, investment, industry, education, women's and children's development, infrastructure, agriculture, and health. The ministers will assess the progress of projects in these areas.

A joint communiqué and implementation report will also be released, outlining strategies to further strengthen ties and address regional and international developments affecting the Türkiye-Africa relationship.

Additionally, Fidan is expected to conduct bilateral meetings with some attendees during the summit.

By Tamilla Hasanova