AA / Ankara / Merve Berker
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Sunday reiterated Ankara’s commitment to promoting a strong partnership with African nations.
He was speaking on the occasion of the third ministerial review conference of the Turkiye-Africa partnership, which is being held in Djibouti.
Hakan Fidan praised the efforts of the African Union leaders in organizing the Türkiye-Africa Partnership Ministerial Review Conference.
He touted Africa’s youthful population, vast resources and booming markets, which he said allow the continent to play a “bigger role” in the 21 century.
He also highlighted the complex challenges facing Africa, including “terrorism, inequality, adverse effects of climate change, underdevelopment and irregular migration.”
As a strategic partner of the African Union since 2008, Türkiye has worked to develop bilateral relations with African countries through a structured and adapted approach.
Hakan Fidan underlined Ankara’s attachment to “African solutions to African problems”, thus affirming Türkiye’s alignment with the principles of the Union and with Agenda 2063, which aims for comprehensive development across the continent. .
The head of Turkish diplomacy reaffirmed Türkiye’s support for African nations in the fight against terrorism and the stabilization of regions affected by conflicts.
He highlighted the situation in Sudan, urging the international community to work together to achieve an immediate ceasefire and lasting peace.
Since mid-April 2023, the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (paramilitary) have been engaged in a deadly conflict which has left more than 20,000 dead and more than 10 million displaced, according to the United Nations.
The international community and the United Nations have increased calls for an end to violence, as the conflict threatens to plunge millions of people into famine due to food shortages affecting 13 of Sudan’s 18 states.
On the economic front, Hakan Fidan highlighted the expansion of Turkey’s trade with Africa, which will exceed $35 billion in 2023, as well as its investments, which amount to around $7 billion.
He praised Türkiye’s holistic approach to fostering economic partnerships and development, particularly in the areas of health, food security and environmental sustainability.
He also highlighted the strong diplomatic presence of Türkiye, which has 44 embassies in Africa and 38 African embassies in the Turkish capital, Ankara.
Hakan Fidan called for reforms to the United Nations, particularly fair representation in the Security Council.
He also commended African nations for their support for the Palestinian cause and highlighted the importance of African voices in global platforms, such as the G20.
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