ANKARA
Turkish President Abdullah Gul said on Monday that there was no bilateral issue, hostility or conflict of interest between Turkey and Syria.
Gul and Benin's President Thomas Boni Yayi held a press conference in Ankara after having a meeting.
Replying to questions, Gul said that if a country used its army and armed forces against legitimate demands of its own people and bombarded its own people and cities, then that regime would not have legitimacy.
"We hope that the world will be more sensitive on the matter," he said.
Gul said that joint UN and Arab League Special Envoy on Syria Kofi Annan's six-point peace plan was the last chance, but it could not be utilized.
Answering a question on Turkey's initiatives in Africa, Gul said that Turkey had embassies in 30 African countries, stating that the number would be risen to 34 soon.
African countries also attached a great importance to Turkey, he said, adding that 17 African countries had embassies in Turkey.
Gul said that Benin's president also announced they wanted to open an embassy in Turkey.
Turkey is working to boost economic ties with Africa
Gul has said his country was making efforts to increase economic relations with Africa.
"We have long considered Africa as one of our areas of priority and we are working to boost our economic ties with the continent as much as we pay attention to its security and humanitarian problems," Gul told.
Benin's president says world should hear voice of Africa
President of Benin, Thomas Boni Yayi said that the world, G8 and G20 countries should hear the voice of Africa and stated that Turkey has already done much for Benin.
Yayi said at a press conference that it was very important for him to visit Turkey as being the President of Benin and the chairperson of the African Union. He also said that his visit was important for the people of Benin and for the African continent too. He expressed that he was not surprised with Turkey's interest in Africa, and he said he was aware of it all the time.
