25 May 2017•Update: 25 May 2017
By Satuk Bugra Kutlugun
ANKARA
Turkey's Foreign Ministry celebrated Africa Day with a written statement that was issued on Thursday.
"We wholeheartedly join in celebrating this meaningful day for the African Union and the peoples of the African continent. On this occasion, we would like to underscore once again our strong determination to cooperate and remain in solidarity with African countries in line with our Africa Partnership Policy which has gained considerable momentum in recent years," the statement said.
The Foreign Ministry also reminded that the anniversary of the foundation of the Organisation of African Unity on May 25, 1963, is celebrated every year all around the world as Africa Day.
As part of Africa Day, various events are being organized in Turkey as well, the statement said.
"This year, under the auspices of First Lady H.E. [Her Excellency] Emine Erdoğan and with the participation of H.E. Djene Kaba Condé, spouse of the president of the African Union and President of the Republic of Guinea [Alpha Conde] as guest of honor, a cultural event was organized at Gazi University [in Ankara] on the 23rd of May 2017."
The Foreign Ministry also said Turkey was "strongly determined to maintain the close cooperation not only with African countries but also with the African Union on the basis of our strategic partnership".
