President Erdoğan: We consolidate our policy of opening up to Africa in a multilayered and multidimensional manner

 

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan held a press conference at Atatürk Airport before setting off on a visit to Africa covering Algeria, Gambia and Senegal.

Commencing his speech by reiterating his wishes for Allah’s mercy upon those who died in the earthquake that hit Elazığ and nearby provinces and for a speedy recovery to the wounded, President Erdoğan underlined that the state had mobilized all its resources from the outset, with all the relevant ministers, administrators and search and rescue personnel rushing to the aid of the people affected by the quake.

“TURKEY-AFRICA RELATIONS GROW STRONGER DAY BY DAY ON THE BASIS OF EQUALITY AND WIN-WIN PRINCIPLE”

Pointing out that his visit to Africa between January 26 and 28 will cover Algeria, Gambia and Senegal, President Erdoğan stressed that ministers, deputies and businesspeople would be accompanying him during the visit.

Noting that Turkey and Algeria have historical ties dating back five centuries, President Erdoğan said the relations get stronger and stronger in line with the friendship and cooperation agreement signed during his visit to the country back in 2006.

The visit to Algeria would be followed by a visit to Gambia on January 27, said the President. Emphasizing the importance he attaches to the Gambia visit since it is the first-ever official visit at the Presidential level from Turkey, President Erdoğan stated: “Gambia has a distinguished place for us in that it is the first country to shut down a Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO)-affiliated school in Africa. We want to boost our relations with Gambia in every area, especially in trade and tourism.”

Noting that he would proceed from Gambia to Senegal, President Erdoğan underscored Turkey’s desire to reinforce relations with Senegal, which he described as a “beacon of stability” in the region. The President continued: “Our countries currently live a golden age in bilateral relations, so to speak. This visit will offer an opportunity to discuss investments as well as other matters on our agenda.”

Drawing attention to the policy of opening up to Africa which Turkey has been pursuing in a multidimensional and multilayered manner since 2003, President Erdoğan stated: “With the projects they carry out in Africa, our businesspeople contribute to Africa’s development and assume critical roles in meeting the continent’s infrastructure needs. The relations between Turkey and Africa grow stronger day by day on the basis of mutual respect, equality and win-win principle.”

“PUTSCHIST HAFTAR BRINGS ABOUT DIVISION IN LIBYA”

In answer to a question regarding Haftar’s attacks in Libya and the latest situation in Idlib, President Erdoğan noted that the Berlin Process concerning Libya was addressed during German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s visit to Turkey last Friday. President Erdoğan stated that putschist Haftar, having rejected the efforts for a peaceful settlement both in Moscow and Berlin, brings about division and perennial violations of ceasefire in Libya. 

As regards Iblib, President Erdoğan said: “The regime unfortunately continues its treason. It carries on bombing and killing civilians. It is impossible not to see this insensitivity of the regime.”

Following the press conference, President Erdoğan left Turkey for Algeria. Accompanying the President on his Africa visit are First Lady Emine Erdoğan, Minister of Foreign Affairs Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, Minister of National Defense Hulusi Akar, Minister of Industry and Technology Mustafa Varank, and Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Fatih Dönmez.