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Senegal and Türkiye Forge Stronger Ties: Sonko and Erdoğan Sign Strategic Agreements

Military, Economic, and Diplomatic Cooperation Takes Center Stage in Ankara Talks

Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko meets with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan during his official visit to Ankara (Photo: Bamada.net)

In a significant diplomatic development, Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan have signed multiple agreements aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between their nations. The August 7 signing ceremony in Ankara marks a new chapter in what both leaders describe as a “strategic partnership” with far-reaching implications for West Africa and the Mediterranean region.

Military Cooperation Takes Priority

The most notable agreement involves enhanced military collaboration, with Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler and Senegalese Armed Forces Minister General Birame Diop signing a supplementary protocol to existing defense cooperation agreements. This comes at a critical time for Senegal, which faces growing security challenges in the volatile Sahel region.

“Our discussions covered crucial areas including investment, trade, security, defense, counterterrorism, energy, mining, transportation, agriculture, and fisheries,” President Erdoğan stated during the joint press conference. The Turkish leader emphasized the creation of a High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council to oversee these multifaceted relations.

Economic Ambitions: Targeting $1 Billion in Trade

Economic ties formed a major pillar of the discussions, with both nations setting an ambitious target to triple their current trade volume to $1 billion. Approximately 100 Turkish companies currently operate in Senegal, with total investments estimated at $3 billion across various sectors.

Erdoğan highlighted Türkiye’s willingness to share expertise with Senegal’s national transformation program leading up to 2050. “Africa is the continent of the future,” the Turkish president declared, “and no globally-minded nation can turn its back on this region.”

Diplomatic Alignment on Global Issues

The leaders found common ground on several international matters, particularly regarding Palestine. Erdoğan expressed gratitude for Senegal’s consistent support of Turkish initiatives at the United Nations, noting that Dakar has chaired the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People since 1975.

Prime Minister Sonko echoed these sentiments, describing the situation in Gaza as “planned genocide” and praising Erdoğan’s stance. “You are among the few world leaders standing against this genocide,” Sonko stated, criticizing what he called the inaction of major powers.

A Model for Development

Sonko presented Türkiye as an economic model for Senegal’s development aspirations. “Turkey has become a model of success in the world,” he remarked, conveying greetings from Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. The prime minister emphasized his government’s commitment to balanced partnerships that reduce reliance on foreign aid.

The Senegalese leader also addressed regional security concerns, expressing confidence in Türkiye’s defense industry capabilities to help equip Senegalese forces. This cooperation comes as neighboring countries grapple with instability that threatens to spill across borders.

Looking Ahead: Economic Forum Planned

Looking to the future, Sonko announced his participation in an upcoming Türkiye-Senegal Economic Forum in Istanbul, signaling continued momentum in bilateral relations. He called for strengthened economic ties, particularly in transportation, energy, and local resource mobilization sectors.

“In this transitional phase, we need your support more than ever,” Sonko concluded, framing the partnership as one based on mutual respect, dignity, and sovereignty—principles that both leaders emphasized throughout their public remarks.

The agreements signed during this visit could reshape Senegal’s international partnerships at a time when traditional alliances in West Africa are undergoing significant reevaluation. As both nations seek to expand their global influence, this strengthened cooperation may well establish a new template for South-South collaboration in the 21st century.

Source: Bamada.net

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