Instanbul (Turkiye), May 25, GNA-Turkiye is seeking a partnership with Africa to fight misinformation, disinformation, blackmail and “terror propaganda.”
Mr Fahrettin Altun, Director of Communications, Republic of Turkiye, noted that terrorism, a universal problem, was taking a new form, “terror-propaganda,” and called for a partnership with Africa to protect national interests and future generations.
He made the proposal at the official opening of a four-day Turkiye-Africa Media Summit in Istanbul being attended by hundred journalists from Africa and representatives from Turkey’s official institutions, non-governmental organisations, think-tanks, media and the private sector.
The Director of Communications called for experience sharing in media and communication to fight the canker.
He said Turkiye would support efforts at fighting discrimination, climate change and the promotion of good African practices in Turkiye and around the world.
Mr Altun also stated the readiness of Turkiye to support African journalists to tell African stories that would promote nation-states and socioeconomic development.
He said Turkiye’s interest was based on friendship and a long term win-win principle demonstrated in the establishment of 42 foreign missions across Africa.
“ …Our interest is mutual winning. We have more than 15 Turkish airlines operating in Africa to entrench our friendship. Our trade volume has grown by 10 folds, and African investors are expanding businesses here. We are for real partnership,” Mr Altun said and wished Africa a happy Africa Union Day.
Earlier, Mevlut Cavusoglu, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Turkiye, stated the commitment of his country towards the inclusive, equitable and sustainable development of Africa.
” Our target is beyond trade. Turkiye 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 AU to expedite the development of the continent and stated Turkiye’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 Turkiye 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 Turkiye and Africa, Turkey would continue to be in unity and solidarity with African countries as strong partners.
The summit started with a gala dinner on Tuesday, May 24, 2022.
The participants discussed 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