Erdogan: Turkey wants to walk with Africa

By Diyar Guldogan

ANKARA (AA) - Turkey wants to walk with Africa, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday.

"We want to walk with Africa while a new world order is being established," Erdogan said on his Twitter account at the end of his five-day tour of four African countries.

Erdogan said he had held "productive" talks and made contacts in Algeria, Mauritania, Senegal and Mali.

He said Turkey sees Algeria as the "political and economic stability island" of the region.

"God willing, we will increase our friendship in every area and we will come to a better point especially in terms of investments," Erdogan said.

He added Ankara plans to realize joint projects with Mauritania in the areas of health, agriculture, media and humanitarian aid.

"As our private sector increases investments in Mauritania, we intend to develop our relations based on the principle of "win-win"," he said.

Erdogan also said enhancing Ankara's good relations in politics and economy with Senegal was one of Turkey's priorities.

He added it was important for Turkey to balance trade volume with Africa, as well as increase it.

"We are ready to do our part for political and economic stability of Mali, where I paid the first visit at a presidential level. Besides this, we will strengthen our brotherhood while reinforcing cultural and trade relations."

Erdogan said during his visit to Africa, he was warmly welcomed, adding: "We love Africa and our African brothers without any bias."