ANKARA
Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said Turkey attached great importance to developing relations with South Sudan.
"We will continue on our path by developing economic, political and cultural relations with South Sudan on strong foundations," Davutoglu told a joint press conference with his South Sudanese counterpart Nhial Deng Nhial in the Turkish capital, Ankara.
Davutoglu said Nhial's visit to Turkey was a historic moment, adding that Turkey was one of the first countries to recognize South Sudan and that Nakara opened an embassy in Juba last October.
Davutoglu said Turkey pursued a comprehensive strategy regarding Africa which he said led Turkey to exert serious efforts towards ending disputes through peaceful means.
The Turkish foreign minister said Turkey considered the improvement of friendly and good neighborly relations between Sudan and South Sudan was of utmost importance, adding that Turkey was ready to engage in cooperation in joint projects between the three countries.
The South Sudanese foreign minister, on his part, said his country penned many agreements with Turkey, which he said made major contributions in building peace in Africa.
"It is a great chance to have Turkey as a partner who helps us in our efforts for development," Nhial said.
