Türkiye doing everything it can to put end to conflicts in Africa: Foreign minister

By Esra Tekin

ISTANBUL (AA) - The Turkish foreign minister said on Sunday that Türkiye’s Africa policy is holistic and that the policy encompasses not only economic, development, social education, and health sectors, but also includes security cooperation and efforts for peace and stability.

“We, as Türkiye, are doing everything we can to put an end to conflicts in regions where we have ties," Hakan Fidan told reporters at the joint news conference of the Third Ministerial Review Conference of Türkiye-Africa Partnership.

Stating that the process has been initiated by Ankara to ease tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia and to resolve the dispute through an agreement, Fidan said: "Since July, we have had three meetings with the foreign ministers of the two countries (Ethiopia and Somalia).

“Two of these were in Ankara and one in New York, taking place in July, August, and September. We now have a developed perspective and framework, and we are working to tailor it to the needs of the parties,” he added.

Fidan said this issue is both historical and contemporary, emphasizing that both leaders need to overcome the pressures from their pasts and make decisions based on current circumstances.

Expressing that Türkiye is striving to play a facilitative role in this matter, he added: "When we get to the essence of the issue, there is a need for recognition of Somalia's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Ethiopia, on the other hand, needs access to the sea for trade through peaceful means."

Fidan said Ethiopia has a large population without direct access to the sea and highlighted that trade is conducted via maritime routes, making sea access essential.

He also pointed out that Somalia requires unconditional recognition of its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and noted that efforts are underway to implement a plan based on these principles.

- Situation in Sudan

Fidan also said the situation in Sudan is being closely monitored and described the developments as "sad."

He underlined that the humanitarian aspect has reached an unbearable point, noting that millions of civilians have lost their lives, gone missing, and are unable to access food, water, or medicine, which should not escape the attention of the international community.

"Just as we intensively reach out to Gaza, we also need to extend our help to the hungry, sick, thirsty, and vulnerable people in Sudan,” he added.

He underscored the necessity of launching a mobilization for humanitarian aid specifically directed at Sudan.

He stressed that Türkiye’s humanitarian assistance to Sudan must be sustained at the international level.

In addition, Fidan highlighted the importance of stopping the conflict that causes suffering, tragedy, and death.

He noted that he is in contact with both parties regarding this issue and mentioned that the Jeddah process, initiated by Saudi Arabia and the US, is being closely followed.

Fidan added that meetings have been held in the process, with Egypt and the United Arab Emirates also participating, but noted that, at this time, there have been no developments that would lead the parties to halt the fighting.