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Türkiye views Africa as a future strategic partner rather than merely a recipient of humanitarian aid, Türkiye's Ambassador to Khartoum, Fatih Yildiz, said on the occasion of Africa Day on May 25.
The Türkiye-Africa strategic partnership approach reflects the country's long-term vision for the continent, emphasizing capacity building and social development over traditional aid models.
"We do not look at Africa as a point where humanitarian aid is provided. We look at Africa as the strategic partner of the future," Ambassador Yildiz told Anadolu Agency correspondent Ahmed Satti, outlining Türkiye's evolving relationship with the continent.
Yildiz emphasized Africa's significant young population as a key factor in Türkiye's strategic approach to the continent.
"This is important not only for Türkiye but also for the future and prosperity of the world. When you look at other continents, there is no such demography. Actually, from this demography alone, we can better understand why Africa will be the shining continent of the future," the ambassador stated.
The diplomatic representative noted that Türkiye consistently considers this demographic advantage in its African approach, prioritizing capacity development and social advancement initiatives.
"Africa is rising. The ability to train this demographic, especially in education, in a way that will contribute most to development will be extremely important not only for Africa's future but for the world's future," Yildiz assessed.
The Türkiye-Africa strategic partnership has evolved over more than 25 years, beginning with the Africa opening initiative and continuing with the Africa partnership policy.
Currently, Türkiye maintains diplomatic representation in 44 African countries, with plans to expand to 50 nations. The Foreign Ministry plays a leading role in this strategic approach.
The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) operates 22 coordination offices across the African continent, having implemented over 7,000 projects to date.
Ambassador Yildiz highlighted the dramatic growth in economic relations, noting that trade volume has increased from approximately $5 billion 22-23 years ago to $40 billion currently.
Turkish Airlines (THY) now operates flights to more than 40 African countries, supporting the expanded economic and diplomatic presence across the continent.
The ambassador referenced the Türkiye-Africa Partnership Summits and indicated that the next summit will be held in 2026, with preparations underway for both country-specific and African Union relationship dimensions.
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Addressing Sudan's ongoing conflict since April 2023, which has created one of the world's largest humanitarian crises, Yildiz emphasized Türkiye's continued engagement despite challenging conditions.
"The Turkish people have shown that they are not indifferent to what is happening (in Sudan), and beyond that, we are trying to set an example to other members of the international community, both as the Republic of Türkiye state and with its people," the ambassador stated.
Since beginning his tenure approximately 10 months ago, Yildiz reported that four large ships called "Goodness Ships" have delivered humanitarian aid totaling over 8,500 tons to Sudan.
"None of these are sufficient in the face of the humanitarian crisis experienced in Sudan," he acknowledged while emphasizing Türkiye's commitment to setting an international example in crisis response.
The ambassador welcomed recent political developments in Sudan, including the complete control of Khartoum province by government forces on May 20 and the appointment of the first civilian prime minister since 2022.
"Türkiye is one of the biggest supporters of a sovereign Sudan, has territorial integrity, is independent, and is not subject to external interference. Therefore, we find it extremely important that the entire Khartoum province has now come under the control of the central legitimate government after the recapture of the capital, Khartoum, at the end of March," Yildiz stated.
The appointment of a civilian prime minister represents the implementation of the roadmap announced by Sovereignty Council Chairman Abdulfattah al-Burhan in February, which Türkiye welcomes with satisfaction.
As a representative of the world's third-largest country in terms of diplomatic network reach, Yildiz acknowledged the challenges of maintaining diplomatic presence in difficult locations.
"We perceive it as within the natural job description of the Turkish diplomat that a diplomat from a country with such an extensive diplomatic network serves in difficult places. So this is the nature of this job," he explained.
However, the ambassador expressed concern about insufficient international attention to Sudan's crisis compared to other global conflicts.
"What saddens us the most is that what this country and its people, where the world's greatest tragedy and humanitarian crisis is experienced, are going through still does not receive the attention we expect in world public opinion," Yildiz stated.
Despite current challenges affecting economic, commercial and investment relations, Türkiye continues efforts to maintain momentum during the transitional period.
Yildiz indicated Türkiye will play a leading role in Sudan's future reconstruction process, leveraging strong existing commercial, economic, and investment relationships.
"Türkiye will take its place as a country that actively contributes both in creating that awareness and when the reconstruction process begins. (It is) because Türkiye's commercial, economic, and investment relations with Sudan are extremely strong. They have strong foundations," the ambassador concluded.
The commitment extends to drawing international attention to Sudan's reconstruction needs while positioning Türkiye as one of the most active contributors to the rebuilding effort.
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