Turkey Strengthens Diplomatic and Economic Ties with Africa at Djibouti Summit
Turkey emphasized its commitment to deepening ties with Africa during a recent summit in Djibouti, attended by representatives from fourteen countries. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan highlighted significant trade and investment figures while advocating for greater African involvement in international issues, including the Israel-Palestine conflict. The next summit is set for 2026.
On Sunday, Turkey reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing diplomatic and economic relations with African nations during a summit held in Djibouti. The summit was attended by representatives from fourteen African nations, including significant players such as Egypt, Nigeria, and South Africa. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has demonstrated an ongoing dedication to African partnerships, having conducted over 50 visits to 31 different countries on the continent throughout his two decades in office. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who presided over the meeting, highlighted Turkey’s substantial investments in Africa, which now exceed $7 billion, while trade with African countries has surpassed $35 billion. Fidan emphasized that Turkey’s approach is comprehensive, aimed at strengthening trade ties and expanding economic partnerships across the continent. The summit also examined Turkey’s role as the fourth largest arms supplier to sub-Saharan Africa, alongside its contributions to training local armed forces. Recently, Turkey has actively sought to play a mediating role in regional conflicts, including tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia and securing a mining agreement with Niger. During the gathering, Fidan expressed support for the African Union’s inclusion as a permanent member of the G20 and underscored the necessity for reforming the United Nations Security Council to better address contemporary 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, Fidan called for increased African involvement in the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict, asserting that Africa could play a pivotal role in championing the Palestinian cause. He commended those African nations that have shown solidarity with Palestine, acknowledging South Africa’s recent action of submitting evidence regarding alleged genocide committed by Israel to the International Criminal Court. The subsequent Turkiye-Africa Summit is slated to take place in 2026.
The focus on strengthening Turkey’s ties with Africa reflects a broader strategy to enhance diplomatic influence and economic collaboration in a region that has historically received limited attention from Ankara. Turkey’s proactive diplomatic engagements have significantly increased over the last two decades, coinciding with President Erdogan’s leadership. It’s crucial to note that Turkey’s involvement in Africa includes arms sales, military training, and various development projects, indicating a robust and multi-faceted engagement strategy.
In summary, the recent summit in Djibouti underscores Turkey’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its relationships with African nations through economic investments and diplomatic initiatives. The call for greater African involvement in international matters, particularly concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, highlights Turkey’s commitment to positioning Africa as a key player in global discussions. With plans for future summits, Turkey is poised to solidify its role as an influential partner in Africa.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
