IZMIR
Guinean Foreign Minister Francois Lonseny Fall on Tuesday said that the people of Syria were experiencing immense pain.
In an exclusive interview with the Anadolu Agency (AA), Fall stressed that the Syrian problem had to reach a political solution under speedy works of the United Nations (UN) and Arab League.
"The Syrian people have many friends and such friends wish to see the problem in Syria end by reaching a solution," Fall noted.
"UN and the Arab League closely observe the developments in Syria. As Guinea, we want to see peace come to Syria," Fall underlined.
"Efforts at the UN and Arab League must speed up and the Syrian problem must soon reach a political solution. The people of Syria experience immense pain and there is a serious civil war in Syria. It is crucial to find a political solution in Syria and to extend support to people experiencing pain. Stability and peace must be facilitated in Syria with the support of the international community," Fall stated.
"Turkey made great moves in our region in last decade"
Minister Fall stressed that West Africa and Africa in general were speaking about Turkey in the last decade.
"Turkey had 10 embassies in Africa in 2002. Today, Turkey has 34 embassies in Africa. We want to strengthen relations with Turkey," Fall said.
"Turkey's representation and influence in Africa has increased incredibly in the last 10 years. We appreciate Turkey's initiatives and vitality. Turkey's strategy has been received well in Africa," Fall emphasized.
"On April 18, the Turkey-Guinea Joint Economic Commission meeting will make efforts to lift legal obstacles that prevent the development of mutual trade. During a meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in November, we plan to sign two agreements on the prevention of double taxation and encouraging foreign investments with Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu," Fall noted.
"There is high potential between our two countries in agriculture, transportation and mining. I call on Turkish investors to invest in Guinea," Fall stated.
"My admiration of Ataturk is great"
Asked about what he thought when he heard the word "Turkey", Fall said that "many things come to my mind".
"The first thing that comes up is history. Ottoman history is fascinating. No doubt, Ataturk is the first name that comes up in my mind since he succeeded in establishing a modern state on an empire. My admiration of Ataturk is great ever since I read about him during my childhood," Fall indicated.
"When we arrived in Izmir, my wife and I visited the Efes (Ephesus) Ancient City and we were fascinated. Turkey's history is captivating," Fall also said.
