Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan addressed the 3rd Türkiye-Africa Partnership Ministerial Review Conference in the West African country of Djibouti on Sunday, the second day of his visit. The conference was held to review the progress made in the partnership between Turkey and African countries and to discuss ways to further strengthen and deepen this important relationship.
In his speech, Minister Fidan highlighted the historical and cultural ties that bind Turkey and Africa, dating back to the Ottoman Empire. He emphasized the common values of solidarity, cooperation, and mutual respect that have been the foundation of this partnership and have led to significant advancements in various fields.
The Minister praised the efforts of African countries in achieving economic growth and development, despite facing challenges such as poverty, conflicts, and natural disasters. He reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to supporting African nations in their pursuit of sustainable development and prosperity.
One of the key areas of cooperation between Turkey and Africa is trade and investment. Minister Fidan shared that the trade volume between Turkey and Africa has reached $25 billion in recent years, and there is still potential for further growth. He encouraged African countries to take advantage of Turkey’s diverse and dynamic economy, which offers a wide range of opportunities for trade and investment.
The Minister also highlighted the importance of education and human resource development in building a sustainable future. He announced that Turkey would be increasing the number of scholarships offered to African students, providing them with the opportunity to study in top Turkish universities. This will not only strengthen the ties between the two regions but also contribute to the development of Africa’s human capital.
Minister Fidan also addressed the issue of security and stability in the region. He emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of conflicts and finding peaceful solutions. Turkey has been actively involved in peacekeeping and humanitarian efforts in various African countries, and the Minister reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to continue supporting these efforts.
Another area of collaboration between Turkey and Africa is in the field of health. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for strong healthcare systems, and Turkey has been providing medical assistance and support to African countries. Minister Fidan announced that Turkey would continue to provide medical aid and training to African nations, as well as share its experiences in successfully managing the pandemic.
The Minister also touched upon the issue of climate change, which has disproportionately affected African countries. He stressed the need for global cooperation in addressing this urgent challenge and announced that Turkey would be hosting the first-ever “Türkiye-Africa Climate Change Conference” in 2022. This conference aims to bring together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss and develop solutions for climate change in the region.
In his concluding remarks, Minister Fidan expressed his belief that the partnership between Turkey and Africa has enormous potential and can serve as a model for cooperation between different regions. He reiterated Turkey’s commitment to working closely with African countries to achieve shared goals and build a better future for all.
The 3rd Türkiye-Africa Partnership Ministerial Review Conference provided a platform for fruitful discussions and the signing of several agreements and memorandums of understanding between Turkey and African countries. This conference has once again demonstrated the strong bond and determination of both regions to work together for mutual benefit and prosperity.
In conclusion, Minister Fidan’s visit to Djibouti and his participation in the conference have further strengthened the partnership between Turkey and Africa. The Minister’s positive and forward-looking remarks have set the tone for a bright future of cooperation and solidarity between these two regions. As Turkey continues to deepen its ties with African countries, it is evident that this partnership will continue to flourish and bring about positive change for both regions.
