By Janet Ekstract ISTANBUL- Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu began his five-nation African tour on Sunday in South Africa. In a formal statement, the Turkish Foreign Ministry announced on Saturday that Cavusoglu will be visiting five African nations that also include Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Gabon as well as Sao Tome and Principe. On Monday, the Turkish FM will officially open the Turkish Consulate in Cape Town with official meetings to be held on Tuesday in Pretoria.
Turkish President Erdogan has said previously that one of his major goals of his most current multidimensional foreign policy includes enhancing and further developing relations and cooperation with African nations. As the statement from the Turkish Foreign Ministry said: “All aspects of our bilateral relations with the aforementioned countries will be discussed during the meetings of Minister Cavusolgu and views will be exchanged on regional issues as well as on our African Partnership policy.” Cavusolgu is also planning to hold bilateral talks with his African counterparts during his tour that will wrap up on January 14.
