Turkey has pledged to strengthen its relationships with African nations at a summit in Djibouti, advocating for support of Palestine. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan noted significant trade and investment figures while emphasizing Turkey’s growing role in Africa as a key arms supplier and diplomatic mediator. The summit also addressed the need for African involvement in international discussions surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict.
On Sunday, Turkey reaffirmed its dedication to strengthening its relationships with African nations, emphasizing the importance of diplomatic support for Palestine during the latest African summit held in Djibouti. In recent years, Turkey has made substantial investments across Africa, exemplified by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s 50 visits to 31 nations throughout his two-decade tenure. This weekend’s ministerial gathering in Djibouti witnessed participation from representatives of fourteen African countries, including Angola, Chad, Comoros, the Republic of Congo, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Libya, Mauritania, Nigeria, South Sudan, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. During the summit, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan presided over discussions, highlighting that trade with Africa surpassed $35 billion in the previous year, while Turkey’s direct investments in the continent totaled approximately $7 billion. Minister Fidan stated, “Turkey is employing a comprehensive and holistic approach in terms of enhancing our trade and economic partnership with the continent.” Furthermore, Turkey has established itself as the fourth largest arms supplier to sub-Saharan Africa and has engaged in the training of armed forces across various nations. Recent diplomatic efforts also include mediating the ongoing conflict between Ethiopia and Somalia and securing a mining agreement with Niger. Minister Fidan voiced support for the African Union’s bid for permanent membership in the G20 and advocated for reforms within the United Nations Security Council. He remarked, “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.” The Foreign Minister also encouraged greater involvement from African countries in the Israel-Palestine conflict, asserting, “We believe that Africa can play an instrumental role in supporting the Palestinian cause and in stopping Israel. We appreciate the African countries that stand with Palestine,” referencing South Africa’s recent submission of evidence alleging “genocide” by Israel to the International Criminal Court. The next Turkiye-Africa Summit is anticipated to occur in 2026.
Turkey’s strategic approach towards Africa is rooted in its desire to enhance economic partnerships and political stability within the continent. Over the past two decades, Turkey has increased its presence in Africa significantly, moving from a historically passive role to an active player in diplomatic and economic arenas. The current summit serves as a platform for Turkey to consolidate its influence and foster cooperative relationships amid growing geopolitical dynamics.
In conclusion, Turkey’s recent African summit signifies its commitment to deepening ties with the continent, emphasizing economic collaboration and diplomatic unity. With substantial investments and active engagement, Turkey is positioning itself as a pivotal partner for African nations while advocating for broader representation and involvement in global affairs, particularly regarding the Palestinian issue. The forthcoming Turkiye-Africa Summit in 2026 is anticipated to further these initiatives.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
