The online panel discussed ways to strengthen Türkiye-Senegal relations and cooperation in areas such as economy, trade, culture, education, and health, as well as potential contributions to sustaining cooperation opportunities in the fields of security, defence industry, and technology transfer for the benefit of both countries.

In his statement, Presidency's Director of Communications Fahrettin Altun said that the panel would contribute to improving the two nations' relations on a multidimensional level.

Director of Communications Altun underlined that Türkiye's African initiative, which began after 2003, grew exponentially into a considerable investment and highlighted Senegal as a key partner in this endeavour.

Director of Communications Altun stressed that the political, cultural, and diplomatic relations that developed between Türkiye and Senegal were also mirrored in economic and commercial relations, adding, "Türkiye places great importance on its relations with Senegal, which is regarded as the gateway to West Africa and the shining star of the continent. We believe that the strong relationships that have existed in the past will be strengthened even further."

“Türkiye has been conducting a successful mediation in conflicts encountered in Africa”

The panel "Türkiye-Senegal Relations in Emerging African Geopolitics" was moderated by Türkiye’s Ambassador to Dakar Prof. Ahmet Kavas, and speakers included Timbuktu Institute-Director of the African Centre for Peace Studies Dr. Bakary Sambe and President of Senegal Turkish Alumni Association and CEO of 3MD Energy Company Momar Diouf from Senegal, and Faculty Member of the Social Sciences University of Ankara Assoc. Prof. Mürsel Bayram from Türkiye.

At the opening of the panel, Ambassador Prof. Kavas stated that on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of Senegal-Türkiye relations and Erdoğan's visit to Senegal, the most modern and the largest stadium in West Africa and the new service building of the Dakar Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye would be inaugurated in Dakar.

In addition, Timbuktu Institute-Director of the African Centre for Peace Studies Dr. Sambe stated that since the early 2000s, Türkiye had undertaken significant initiatives towards Africa in its foreign policy, emphasizing that it was conducting a successful mediation with African countries in the conflicts encountered in its region and in Africa.

Faculty Member of the Social Sciences University of Ankara Assoc. Prof. Bayram, on the other hand, said that with its developing economy and rising power, Türkiye was striving to strengthen its relations with Africa in the international conjuncture.

Stating that Erdoğan was implementing leadership diplomacy towards Africa, Bayram stated, "No other non-African head of state visits Africa on such a regular basis. It is extremely valuable that President Erdoğan visits African countries on such a regular basis and directly conveys Türkiye's requests to his interlocutors."

President of Senegal Turkish Alumni Association and CEO of 3MD Energy Company Diouf noted that Türkiye's diplomatic relations with Senegal were strong and that these ties should not be limited to diplomacy but should also be reflected in the field of education. (ILKHA)