Turkish agency provides equipment for African Union

By Tufan Aktas

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AA) – A Turkish state-run aid agency has provided technical equipment for the African Union’s Strategic Partnership Bureau in Ethiopia.

Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) provided 37 technical items including projectors, printer, and a camera during a ceremony on Friday in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa.

Burak Ozden, deputy coordinator of TIKA Addis Ababa, said that the agency would continue its support for African Union activities.

Established in 1992, TIKA is the pioneer institution under the Prime Ministry of the Republic of Turkey responsible for the implementation of development projects and programs in more than 100 countries covering health and humanitarian programs, education and agriculture.

Turkey has raised number of its embassies in Africa from 12 in 2002-2003 to 41 today, according to Ibrahim Kalin, Turkish presidential spokesman.