Turkey, African countries re-iterate commitment to deepen strategic relations

ISTANBUL (A.A) - A high level meeting between Turkish and African foreign ministers Friday in Istanbul expressed resolve to boost strategic relations further. "The Ministers emphasized their satisfaction with the level of cooperation and support between African countries and Turkey, based on their comprehensive dialogue and partnership especially in the United Nations and various international organizations and expressed their commitment to further develop this cooperation to the benefit of both sides," said a declaration released after The First Ministerial Review Conference of the Africa – Turkey Partnership.      The declaration said the ministers had expressed the importance of organizing Turkish-African Media Forums in order to develop cooperation and communication among the members of the African and Turkish media representatives and organizations. The declaration said the ministers had noted the reciprocal increase in the diplomatic representation between African countries and Turkey and its positive contribution to the enhancement of their relations within the partnership and encouraged further demarche in this respect. The declaration said the ministers had taken note of the concrete steps Turkey has been taking to facilitate its visa regime for the benefit of nationals of African countries, in accordance with its determination to strengthen and expand their cooperation through human interaction.  "The Ministers considered various issues affecting regional peace, security and prosperity and called for further cooperation aimed at addressing these issues. They welcomed continuing political, social and economic transformation in their regions aimed at enhancing universal political, social and economic values. They reiterated their commitment to plural democracy; human rights; good governance; the pursuit of social justice, eradication of hunger and poverty, protection of environment and respect for international law as the guiding principles that govern their relations," the declaration said. The declaration also said that the ministers had reiterated their firm support for the prevention and combating of terrorism, drug trafficking, migrant smuggling, human trafficking, illicit trafficking in small arms and light weapons, money laundering and piracy which seriously threaten the peace and security of the countries.