UPDATE 2 - Türkiye hails African countries’ steadfast stance on Palestinian issue: President Erdogan

UPDATES WITH MORE REMARKS BY SENEGALESE PRESIDENT

By Esra Tekin

ISTANBUL (AA) – Senegal’s stance on the Palestinian issue, which is based on the two-state solution, is “extremely valuable,” Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday.

“We are following the steadfast stance of our African brothers, who understand what oppression, war and massacre mean, against Israel’s genocidal policies,” Erdogan said in a joint press conference with his Senegalese counterpart Bassirou Diomaye Faye in Ankara.

Senegal's stance on the Palestine issue based on a two-state solution is extremely valuable, Erdogan said.

“We will continue our efforts in this direction. We see standing by the people of Palestine and Lebanon as a matter of brotherhood and humanitarian duty,” he added.

The Turkish president said the two leaders in their meeting also addressed the steps Türkiye and Senegal can take in response to Israel's genocide, particularly in Gaza and the Palestinian territories.

Erdogan applauded Senegal's leadership of the UN Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People since 1975.

"We will continue our efforts in this direction. We see standing by the people of Palestine and Lebanon as a matter of brotherhood and humanitarian duty,” he added.

“Imperialists have learned in Africa that a peaceful future cannot be built on blood and massacre,” Erdogan said, adding: “The same truth will also be evident in Gaza and Lebanon.”

He warned that “those who seek security through oppression will be drawn into a much larger vortex of insecurity.”

On Israel's attacks in Lebanon and Palestine, the Turkish president said the region is “heading toward a serious firestorm,” warning that the upcoming period will be much more troubled.

"Our hope is to find ways to manage these developments in the region, primarily through the UN. We will work on this together,” he added.

Erdogan also urged all countries with a “sense of conscience” to put more pressure on Tel Aviv.

- Bilateral ties

Erdogan said Senegal is Türkiye's closest partner in West Africa and one of the countries that contribute the most to the stability and well-being of the African continent.

"We share the same stance on many issues. We just signed a memorandum of understanding that elevates our relations to the level of strategic partnership. In today's discussions, we addressed cooperation opportunities between our countries in areas such as investment and trade, security, defense industry, counter-terrorism, energy, agriculture, urban development, culture, and higher education,” he said.

The Turkish leader said Türkiye-Senegal trade volume has approached $500 million, and the goal is $1 billion.

"We agree with my esteemed friend on the importance of reaching this target swiftly. The total value of Turkish companies' investments and contracting projects in Senegal has reached $3 billion ... We encourage our firms to evaluate the opportunities in Senegal. Tomorrow, a Türkiye-Senegal Business Forum will be held in Istanbul, and a Joint Economic Cooperation Meeting will take place in the near future,” he added.

Erdogan also expressed Ankara’s readiness to share Türkiye’s experience with Senegalese people on Senegal 2050 National Transformation Program.

"Today, we also assessed potential joint steps in security, the defense industry, and counter-terrorism, particularly regarding FETO. On this occasion, I thank the Senegalese authorities for their support in our fight against FETO. I have no doubt that this support and solidarity will continue in the future,” he said.

"The steps to be taken in higher education, and even more importantly, the joint actions we can take regarding the defense industry, are crucial. There have been steps taken in infrastructure and superstructure over the years. I know that Senegal is familiar with the Turkish construction sector. With this knowledge, I believe we can take new steps together. We will continue on our path by renewing the trust we have in each other on this matter. It is also essential not to overlook digitalization,” the president said.

- Defense cooperation

For his part, Senegalese President Faye said he discussed with President Erdogan ways to strengthen defense cooperation.

"As you know, the West Africa region is a place where insecurity, stemming from terrorism, prevails. For this reason, President Erdogan and I expressed the need to discuss these issues and strengthen our cooperation in the field of defense,” Faye said.

"We reaffirmed that peace, stability, and security must be ensured in the Sahel region," he said, adding that he also emphasized the need for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza.

The Senegalese leader said the Palestinians have a right to live in peace and in an independent state, arguing that a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital should be recognized.

Faye said they also deliberated on the need to strengthen multilateral relations for global peace and stability. "We emphasized that this can be achieved by improving the global governance system and eliminating injustices,” he said.