During a summit in Djibouti, Turkey expressed its intent to deepen relations with Africa, urging support for Palestine. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan highlighted trade exceeding $35 billion and Turkey’s fourth largest arms sales to sub-Saharan Africa. The next summit is set for 2026.
Turkey reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ties with African nations during a recent summit held in Djibouti. This meeting served as a platform for Turkey to solicit diplomatic support from African leaders for the Palestinian cause while showcasing its investment in the continent. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has undertaken significant efforts to engage Africa over the past two decades, having made 50 visits to 31 countries. A total of fourteen African countries participated in this latest gathering, including Angola, Chad, Comoros, and Egypt, among others. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who led the summit, announced that trade between Turkey and Africa reached over $35 billion in the past year, with Turkish direct investments in Africa totaling $7 billion. In his address, Fidan remarked, “Turkey is employing a comprehensive and holistic approach in terms of enhancing our trade and economic partnership with the continent.” Additionally, Turkey has established itself as the fourth largest supplier of arms to sub-Saharan Africa, offering military training to several nations on the continent. Furthermore, the nation aims to mediate disputes, notably the tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia, and has secured a mining agreement with Niger. Fidan advocated for the African Union’s admission as a permanent member of the G20 and emphasized the urgent need for reform within the United Nations Security Council to address contemporary global challenges. He stated, “We should continue our efforts to make the UN more relevant and capable of confronting the complex challenges of the century. Security Council reform is critical in this sense.” Furthermore, he called for increased African engagement in the Israel-Palestinian conflict, asserting that Africa plays a vital role in advocating for Palestinian rights. “We believe that Africa can play an instrumental role in supporting the Palestinian cause and in stopping Israel,” he asserted, acknowledging the recent actions of South Africa in the matter. The next Turkiye-Africa Summit is scheduled to occur in 2026, indicating Turkey’s ongoing commitment to fostering diplomatic and economic ties with the African continent.
Turkey has been increasing its engagement with Africa over the past few decades, driven by a strategic desire to enhance political, economic, and cultural ties with African nations. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s regime has prioritized Africa, evident in numerous visits and investments aimed at developing partnerships that benefit both parties. The recent summit in Djibouti showcased Turkey’s expanded role in Africa, including military cooperation and diplomatic initiatives, especially concerning the Israel-Palestinian conflict. Such actions underline Turkey’s ambition to position itself as a key player on the continent.
The recent summit in Djibouti underscores Turkey’s commitment to deepening its relationships with African nations, emphasizing economic partnerships and diplomatic support for the Palestinian cause. With significant investments, ambitious trade goals, and active involvement in regional conflicts, Turkey positions itself as a pivotal ally for Africa, while also advocating for essential reforms within international institutions like the UN.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
