Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan hosted Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko on Thursday, as part of Sonko’s official visit to Türkiye. The meeting was marked by the signing of several new bilateral agreements and a shared commitment to deepen cooperation in key strategic sectors.
“I had the great pleasure of welcoming the Prime Minister of Senegal, our dear brother Sonko, whose country plays a key role on the African continent,” President Erdoğan said in a statement following their meeting.
Türkiye and Senegal Expand Economic Ties
The two leaders oversaw the signing of multiple agreements designed to solidify the legal framework of their partnership. Erdoğan stated,
“With the documents signed today, we have further reinforced the contractual basis of our cooperation.”
Ankara aims to increase bilateral trade volume with Dakar to $1 billion in the first phase.
Turkish companies already operating in Senegal were praised for their involvement in major infrastructure projects.
“Turkish firms have successfully completed numerous projects that contribute to Senegal’s development goals,” Erdoğan said, expressing Turkey’s readiness to support the ‘Senegal 2050’ National Transformation Program by sharing its expertise.
Boosting Security and Defense Cooperation
Security and defense were also central topics during the talks. The two nations discussed expanding cooperation in defense, counterterrorism, and military industry.
“We also evaluated potential joint steps in the fields of security, defense industry, and the fight against terrorism,” Erdoğan noted, highlighting the growing interest among African partners in Turkish defense products.
Common Stance on Gaza
The leaders also addressed the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. President Erdoğan praised Senegal’s position:
“Senegal’s solidarity with the Palestinian people serves as an example to many countries.”
He reaffirmed Turkey’s firm stance:
“Our struggle will continue until the genocide in Gaza ends, and those condemning innocent children to hunger and death are held accountable.”
Condemning the suffering of Gaza’s children, Erdoğan added: “The perpetrators of these atrocities will be held responsible before the law and history for those innocent little ones reduced to skin and bones by starvation.”
