Turkey’s Deputy Foreign Minister Attends Gabonese President’s Inauguration Ceremony
Turkey’s Deputy Foreign Minister Burhanettin Duran represented the country at the inauguration ceremony of Gabonese President Brice Oligui Nguema on Saturday. The ceremony, held in the capital city of Libreville, was attended by high-ranking officials from various countries, including Turkey.
The presence of Deputy Foreign Minister Duran at the inauguration ceremony is a testament to the strong and friendly relations between Turkey and Gabon. It also reflects Turkey’s commitment to strengthening its ties with African countries.
In his speech at the ceremony, Deputy Foreign Minister Duran conveyed President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s warm wishes and congratulations to President Nguema on his re-election. He also expressed Turkey’s support for Gabon’s development and progress.
Turkey and Gabon have a long history of cooperation and mutual respect. The two countries established diplomatic relations in 1961 and have since then worked together on various issues of mutual interest. Turkey has been providing technical and humanitarian assistance to Gabon in areas such as health, education, and infrastructure.
In recent years, the bilateral relations between Turkey and Gabon have witnessed a significant boost. The two countries have signed several agreements and memorandums of understanding, covering areas such as trade, investment, and defense cooperation. Turkey’s Eximbank has also provided loans to Gabon for the development of infrastructure projects.
Deputy Foreign Minister Duran’s presence at the inauguration ceremony is a reflection of Turkey’s growing interest in Africa. Turkey’s “Opening to Africa” policy, initiated by President Erdogan in 2005, aims to strengthen Turkey’s ties with African countries through increased trade, investment, and cultural exchanges. As part of this policy, Turkey has opened 42 new embassies in Africa, including one in Gabon.
Turkey’s involvement in Africa goes beyond diplomatic relations. The country has been actively involved in humanitarian and development projects in the continent. Turkey’s aid agency, the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), has been carrying out various projects in Gabon, including the construction of a hospital and a school.
Turkey’s participation in the inauguration ceremony also highlights the country’s commitment to promoting peace and stability in the region. Turkey has been actively involved in peacekeeping efforts in Africa, with over 3,000 Turkish soldiers serving in various UN peacekeeping missions in the continent.
Deputy Foreign Minister Duran’s presence at the inauguration ceremony was also an opportunity to discuss ways to further enhance cooperation between Turkey and Gabon. In a meeting with Gabon’s Foreign Minister Alain-Claude Bilie-By-Nze, Deputy Foreign Minister Duran discussed ways to increase trade and investment between the two countries. They also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.
In conclusion, Deputy Foreign Minister Burhanettin Duran’s attendance at the inauguration ceremony of Gabonese President Brice Oligui Nguema is a testament to the strong and friendly relations between Turkey and Gabon. It also reflects Turkey’s commitment to strengthening its ties with African countries and promoting peace and stability in the region. With the continued efforts of both countries, the bilateral relations between Turkey and Gabon are expected to reach new heights in the years to come.
