Turkey’s government emphasizes bolstering its relationship with Africa, acknowledging the continent’s vast potential for economic growth. Expressing gratitude for Africa’s unwavering support for Palestine, Turkey pledges to fortify diplomatic ties with this vibrant region.
In a strategic move, Turkey has ramped up investments across Africa, with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan touring more than 31 countries, passionately advocating for stronger connections between Ankara and the African bloc.
During a recent gathering held in the small yet significant Horn of Africa nation, Djibouti, a total of fourteen African nations participated, according to the Voice of America. Notable attendees included Angola, Chad, Comoros, the Republic of Congo, and Egypt, among others like Ghana and Nigeria.
Stepping into the spotlight, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan highlighted that Turkey’s trade with Africa topped $35 billion last year, while direct Turkish investments reached an impressive $7 billion.
“Turkey adopts an all-encompassing strategy to boost our trade and economic synergies with Africa,” Fidan stated assertively during his address at the summit.
The arms trade thrives as well, with Turkey ranking fourth in supplying arms to sub-Saharan Africa. In Somalia, for example, Turkey operates its largest overseas military training base, grooming elite GorGor forces.
In terms of diplomacy, Turkey is playing a mediating role in discussions between Somalia and Ethiopia, following a contested agreement involving Ethiopia and North Western State of Somalia. However, the negotiations are not fully embraced by the parties involved yet.
Fidan expressed support for granting the African Union permanent membership in the G20 and highlighted the necessity for reforming the United Nations Security Council.
“Our ongoing efforts aim at making the UN more pertinent and capable of tackling the complex challenges of today. Reforming the Security Council is crucial,” he articulated.
“Africa holds significant potential to assist the Palestinian cause and halt Israeli actions,” he emphasized, underlining the critical issue that has resulted in numerous casualties.
“We’re grateful to African nations supporting Palestine,” he mentioned, pointing to South Africa’s recent step to submit evidence of alleged “genocide” by Israel to the International Criminal Court.
The upcoming Turkiye-Africa Summit is scheduled for 2026. Meanwhile, Ankara is actively involved in oil exploration, including a new agreement with Somalia. This has led to the arrival of the research vessel Oruc Reis, poised to explore oil both onshore and offshore.
AXADLETM
