President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Türkiye stated today that he discussed defence and security cooperation with the visiting Prime Minister of Senegal in Ankara and expressed his satisfaction with his country's strengthening ties with Africa.
During a press conference with Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko of Senegal, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said, "Today we discussed the joint measures we can take in areas such as security, defence industry, and combating terrorism."
Erdoğan added, "We are pleased with the growing interest of our African brothers and sisters in Turkish defence industry products. We are eager to strengthen our solidarity in this area going forward."
Türkiye has strengthened its position in Africa in recent years, at a time when many African countries are distancing themselves from their former colonisers.
Ankara has signed defence agreements with numerous countries on the continent, including Somalia, Libya, Kenya, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Ghana.
These agreements have provided Turkish defence industry manufacturers with the opportunity to secure contracts, particularly for unmanned aerial vehicles known for their reliability and affordability.
Erdoğan hailed Africa as the "star of our century," citing its youthful population, dynamism, and undiscovered beauty.
Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said, "No country with a global vision can ignore the African continent or turn its back on this magnificent geography."
Erdoğan stated, "We reject arrogant, condescending, or Orientalist approaches towards the African continent," and condemned those who criticise the Türkiye-Africa partnership.