In the news, it was stated that Turkey’s relations with African countries have increased in the last 20 years and that Somalia is an important example in these relations.
Reminding that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan visited Somalia, which is struggling with civil war and drought in 2011, with a crowded delegation of business people, religious leaders, opinion leaders, aid organizations and journalists, the report states that a non-African leader has visited Somalia for the first time in 20 years. It was stated that his visit to Turkey paved the way for the formation of deep ties both in the Horn of Africa region and throughout the continent.
The news also touched upon the violence in Somalia and pointed out that there are very few foreign investors in the country other than Turks.
In the news, it was stated that Turkish companies are operating in many areas such as hotels, airports, roads and official institution buildings in Somalia and that daily flights to Istanbul are organized.
It was pointed out that Turkey’s largest foreign base is located in Somalia and that more than 5 thousand Somali police and soldiers were trained by Turkey.
The news also included the thoughts of Somali businessperson Kadir Mohamud. Mohamud pointed out that there is a positive view towards Turkey in Somalia, “One of the biggest advantages of being Turkish in Somalia is that you pray in the same mosque as everyone else. Non-Turkish companies and embassies tend to operate only in the green zone.” used the phrases.
Relationships developed in different fields
The news shared that with the steps taken, the number of embassies in Africa increased to 43 and mutual trade relations approached 30 billion dollars, it was emphasized that airports, stadiums, roads, train lines and mosques were built by Turkish investors in many African countries.
In the news, it was also noted that Turkey has strengthened its relations with humanitarian aid efforts.
In the news, it was stated that Turkey faced countries like Libya, France and countries that want to have influence in Somalia such as Saudi Arabia. It was recorded that he wanted to take advantage of it.
In the news, it was stated that Turkey’s priority target is to sell its defense industry products, especially unmanned aerial vehicles, rather than being involved in the war.
It was stated that Turkey-made unmanned aerial vehicles were seen in countries such as Ukraine, Ethiopia, Libya, Morocco and Tunisia, and countries such as Nigeria and Rwanda took steps to acquire these weapons.
In the news that emphasized that Turkey’s relations with African countries bear fruit, it was reminded that the nephew of FETO ringleader Fetullah Gülen was captured in Kenya and handed over to Turkey.
In the news, which is reported that the interest of African countries in Turkey has increased and the number of embassies belonging to African countries in Turkey has increased to 37, it is stated that more than 14 thousand African students receive education in Turkey.
Abel Abate Demissie, one of the researchers at Chatham House, whose opinion is included in the news in The Economist, stated that Turkey has also improved its relations with African countries in the military field, “Turkey is known for giving blank checks, especially when you need military and economic assistance.” made his comment.
Source: AA
