President Erdoğan vows deeper Türkiye-Africa ties based on mutual benefit

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan reaffirmed Türkiye's dedication to fostering robust, long-term partnerships with African nations, emphasizing principles of equal partnership, mutual respect, and shared prosperity. During a joint press conference with Nigerien President Abdourahamane Tchiani in Ankara, Erdoğan highlighted Türkiye's view of engagement with Africa as extending beyond mere economic ties.

Erdoğan announced enhanced cooperation with Niger across critical sectors including security, defense, trade, education, and development. He specifically noted Türkiye's readiness to share its expertise in military training and intelligence cooperation to support Sahel region countries in their fight against terrorist groups. Discussions between the leaders covered defense industries, energy, mining, trade, investment, education, healthcare, and agriculture, with a focus on deepening economic collaboration and exploring investment opportunities in Niger.

“

Türkiye views its engagement with Africa as a long-term partnership extending beyond economic relations.

Following the high-level talks, Türkiye and Niger signed several agreements. These accords aim to bolster cooperation in higher education, diplomatic training, healthcare, and the establishment of a Joint Economic and Trade Commission (JETCO). These initiatives build upon Türkiye's existing development efforts in Niger, exemplified by the Türkiye-Niger Friendship Hospital and various projects by the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) in areas like irrigation, agriculture, and infrastructure.

Educational collaboration was also a key point, with Erdoğan noting that the Turkish Maarif Foundation currently operates 12 schools in Niger, educating over 1,700 students. Furthermore, nearly 500 Nigerien students, including approximately 300 scholarship recipients, are pursuing higher education in Türkiye, underscoring the growing educational exchange between the two nations.

“

We continue to develop our relations with African countries on the basis of equal partnership, mutual respect and win-win principles.