Turkey to continue to ‘deepen ties with African nations'

ANKARA

Turkey will continue to deepen ties with African nations under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkey’s communications director said Saturday.

"Our economic investments, educational ties, and cultural exchanges are a testament to our conviction in the promise of the continent," Fahrettin Altun wrote on Twitter following a summit in Istanbul.

He said that Ankara is proud to host the 3rd Turkey-Africa Partnership Summit and reiterated that Turkey's approach to Africa is to strengthen relations with the continent as well as investing in a common future.

"Many African nations have been facing the threat of terrorism from Daesh, Boko Haram, al-Shabab and others. We will continue to partner with them on both defense and counter-terrorism and support them by sharing our technological capabilities and know-how," he said.

He noted Turkey's plan to donate 5 million coronavirus vaccine doses to African nations and cooperate on the production of Turkey's indigenous TURKOVAV vaccine and said it is a sign that how much Ankara cares about the well-being of our African people beyond political matters.

Also pointing out his country's increasing investment on the continent, he stressed that the ventures are bringing positive results in close cooperation and coordination with African leaders for peace and stability.

"President Erdogan consistently raised the issue of lack of Africa’s representation at the UN Security Council despite its 1.3 billion population," said Altun, referring to Turkey's call to reform the international body.