Istanbul (Turkey), May 24, GNA-Mevlut Cavusoglu, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Turkey, has stated the commitment of his country towards the inclusive, equitable and sustainable development of Africa.
“Our target is beyond trade. Turkey has been and will be supporting its African friends in their quest for inclusive, equitable and sustainable development and prosperity based on equal partnership and mutual respect, ” he said in a message to commemorate this year’s Africa Union (AU) Day.
May 25 is celebrated every year as AU Day to commemorate the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), which was created on 25 May 1963.
It is the precursor of the African Union (AU).
Mr Gavusoglu lauded the robust and innovative policies being implemented by the AU to expedite the development of the continent and stated Turkey’s continuous support for that cause.
He noted that AU’s Agenda 2063 was a flagship programme that could unleash the continent’s potential and bring hope and prosperity to all, which Turkey wholeheartedly supported.
” Our Government and official agencies have carried out efforts in line with the 2063 Agenda.”
Mr Gavusoglu said the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), through its 22 representatives across the Continent, and the National Disaster Relief Agency (AFAD), as well as the Turkish Red Crescent, had spearheaded millions of Dollars-worth sustainable development projects and in-kind aid in Sub-Saharan Africa.
He noted that the Yunus Emre Turkish Cultural Centers serving in seven African countries and Maarif Foundation also continued to provide educational services in 25 African countries with 191 institutions.
“Even during the most turbulent times, Türkiye continued to be in solidarity with the Continent. We supported our African friends during the pandemic, including through vaccine donations,” he stated.
The Foreign Affairs Minister said owing to the centuries-old historical, cultural and human relations between Turkey and Africa, Turkey would continue to be in unity and solidarity with African countries as strong partners and wished the continent a happy AU Day celebration.
Meanwhile, a hundred journalists from Africa and representatives from Turkey’s official institutions, non-governmental organisations, think tanks, media and the private sector are attending a four-day Turkey-Africa Media Summit in Istanbul.
The summit will start with a gala dinner on Tuesday, May 24, 2022.
The participants will discuss Turkey’s perspectives on its relations with Africa, recent developments in journalism, and global challenges.
The final day will feature a tour of Istanbul’s historical peninsula and the Bosphorus.
GNA