ANKARA: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan praised African countries, particularly Senegal, for their unwavering position on the Palestinian issue during a joint press conference with Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye in Ankara. Erdogan highlighted Senegal’s advocacy for a two-state solution as “extremely valuable” and expressed Trkiye’s commitment to supporting the Palestinian cause as a matter of brotherhood and humanitarian duty.
According to Anadolu Agency, Erdogan emphasized the need for international cooperation to address Israel’s actions in Gaza and the Palestinian territories. He acknowledged Senegal’s leadership within the UN Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People since 1975, commending their contributions to the region. Erdogan warned of the potential for escalating conflict in Lebanon and Palestine, urging global pressure on Tel Aviv.
Erdogan highlighted Senegal as Trkiye’s closest partner in West Africa, underscoring their shared stance on var
ious issues. The leaders signed a memorandum of understanding to elevate their relations to a strategic partnership, covering areas such as trade, security, counter-terrorism, and education. With bilateral trade nearing $500 million, Erdogan expressed ambitions to reach $1 billion, advocating for increased Turkish investment in Senegal.
Erdogan also expressed Trkiye’s readiness to support Senegal’s 2050 National Transformation Program and thanked Senegal for its solidarity in Trkiye’s fight against FETO. He emphasized the importance of joint ventures in higher education and the defense industry, highlighting past collaboration in infrastructure development.
Senegalese President Faye echoed the need for enhanced defense cooperation, citing regional insecurity driven by terrorism. He called for peace and stability in the Sahel region and advocated for a cease-fire in Gaza. Faye reaffirmed Senegal’s belief in a sovereign Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital and stressed the importance of improv
ing global governance systems for lasting peace and stability.