Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will depart Turkey on Sunday for a four-day diplomatic trip to three African countries. Recep Tayyip Erdogan is scheduled to visit Angola, Nigeria, and Togo, bringing his total number of official African visits to 28.
There has been an increase in the number of Turkish embassies in Africa from 12 in 2002 to 43 by 2021 as part of Turkey’s aspiration to contribute to the continent’s economic and social growth in a peaceful and stable manner, as well as to strengthen bilateral relations based on equal collaboration and mutual benefit. Despite the coronavirus pandemic, Turkey’s commerce with Africa increased from a meager $5.4 billion at the end of 2003 to $25.3 billion by 2020.
Erdogan is expected to meet with his Angolan counterpart, Joao Lourencho, as well as take part in a roundtable discussion with businesses from both nations, according to reports. In July, Erdogan hosted Lourencho, and the two leaders signed agreements on air transport, mutual investment promotion, hydrocarbons and mining, renewable energy, and visa waivers.
During his second visit to Nigeria, Erdogan will meet with President Muhammadu Buhari and attend the Turkey-Nigeria Business Forum. During the talks, which will address bilateral economic and regional developments, steps will be taken to realize the true potential of the two countries’ relations. Three agreements are also planned to be signed in the sectors of hydrocarbons, mining, and energy.
Nigeria is Turkey’s most important trading partner in Sub-Saharan Africa, with a Trade volume of $754 million in 2020 and a forecast of more than $1 billion in 2025. During the visit, the Turkish president will also discuss the fight against the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO), which was responsible for the failed coup attempt in Turkey in 2016. This would include a request for the Turkish Maarif Foundation to take over FETO schools that are still operating in different locations of Nigeria.
President Erdogan’s final visit will be Togo, where he will discuss measures to boost bilateral relations and expand bilateral trade, which is estimated to be worth $150 million as of 2020.
