The missions of African countries organized a joint event in Ankara for the 25 May Africa Day, the day of the African Union (AfB), the symbol of the independence and sovereignty struggle of African countries against colonialism.
The event, which started with the singing of the African Union Anthem and the National Anthem, was attended by Deputy Foreign Minister Burak Akçapar, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director General for East and South Africa Ambassador Elif Çomoğlu Ülgen, as well as African ambassadors to Ankara, foreign mission representatives and many guests.
At the event, a local dance show and music concert were presented to the taste of the participants.
South Sudan’s Ambassador to Ankara and President of the African Diplomats Union Majok Guandong Thiep, in his speech, commemorated those who lost their lives in the 6 February earthquake and invited everyone to a minute of silence.
Underlining that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is one of the leaders who visit the region the most, Thiep thanked Turkey’s support to the African continent and expressed their satisfaction with the contributions of TIKA and Maarif Foundation to the region.
Ambassador Thiep stated that the 14 May elections are an indicator of Turkey’s advanced democracy and congratulated the Turkish people for the elections.
In his speech, Djibouti’s Ambassador to Ankara Aden Houssein Abdillahi thanked President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for his Africa vision and said that he was amazed by the energy of Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu and Turkish diplomats on Africa.
“AFRICAN LEADERS OWN THEIR OWN FATE”
Pointing out that the Organization of African Unity was established 60 years ago as the ancestor of today’s African Union, Akçapar said, “African leaders took care of their own destiny and laid the foundations of a united Africa.” used the phrase.
Emphasizing that Africa, like the rest of the world, should come together in the face of the challenges the world is facing today, Akçapar said in Swahili, “Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, working together is success.” reminded me of his word.
Underlining that Turkey has established a close partnership with Africa in the last 30 years, Akçapar said, “Our African Partnership Policy is a part of our multifaceted, entrepreneurial and humanitarian foreign policy.” he said.
Akçapar also mentioned the support given by African countries after the 6 February earthquakes in Turkey and continued as follows:
“The Turkish people will not forget the solidarity and empathy shown by Africa. I would like to thank the members of the African diplomatic corps who are here today and donate some of their salaries to the earthquake victims. In our darkest days, we found solace in the solid solidarity of our African brothers.”
Emphasizing that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is the leader who visits this region the most, making more than 50 visits to 31 countries, Akçapar underlined that the trade volume with Africa is gradually increasing.
CALL FOR CONTINENCE IN SUDAN
Drawing attention to the events in Sudan, Akçapar said, “We invite restraint to prevent further bloodshed and harm to civilians. As always, Turkey maintains the principle of ‘African solutions to Africa’s problems’. With this understanding, Addis I visited the African Union Headquarters in Ababa and expressed our support for Africa’s efforts to stop the bloodshed in Sudan.” used the phrase.
Emphasizing that food security in Africa is also a matter of concern for everyone, Akçapar said, “The Black Sea Grain Agreement was very important for the whole world for the safe circulation of Ukrainian grain and food. This agreement was extended for two more months after the meeting we hosted in Istanbul. We will continue our efforts to ensure that the grain aisle operates uninterruptedly and smoothly.” said.
After the speeches, a plaque was presented to the participants and a souvenir photo was taken.
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