Turkish president Erdogan to start his Africa tour to Algeria, Mauritania, Senegal and Mali
Turkey’s president Recep Tayyip Erdogan is set to go on a five-day official visit to four African countries starting Monday, Feb. 26.
According to a statement released by the president’s office, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will be on an official visit to Algeria, Mauritania, Senegal and Mali between the dates of February 26 and March 2, 2018.
“All aspects of the bilateral relations and cooperation will be discussed and views will be exchanged regarding regional and international developments during Mr. President’s tête-à-têtes with his counterparts and the meetings between the delegations” the statement said.
As President, this will be the second visit of President Erdogan to Algeria with which Turkey enjoys strong historic ties and which is one of Turkey’s most important economic partners in Africa.
After Algeria, President Erdogan will visit Mauritania in Sub-Saharan Africa on February 28 and be following that visit he will head for Senegal with which Turkey has cordial bilateral relations.
President is popular among North Africans | Image: REUTERS
“The last stop of the tour is Mali with which Turkey has long-established historical and cultural relations” the statement added.
President Erdogan’s Mauritania and Mali visits will be of importance since they will be the first presidential visits from Turkey to these countries. Business forums will be held in Algeria and Senegal as part of the visits.
Last December, Erdogan paid a four-day visit to Sudan, Chad and Tunisia.
Sudan and Egypt are still resolving a diplomatic row that ensued when Sudan and Turkey signed agreements over the development of the Suakin island.
Since 2004, Erdogan has paid official visits to 24 African countries, spearheading the signings of numerous bilateral pacts.
(To read the full press release, visit here)
The Kootneeti - Middle East Monitor
