Türkiye congratulates African Union on completing 61 years

Türkiye on Saturday congratulated the African Union, a union of 55 member states, on completing 61 years. The annual commemoration is known as Africa Day.

“I sincerely congratulate the African Union organization on its anniversary and 25 May Africa Day,” Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in a message.

“I send my love and respect to my brothers and sisters across Africa, with whom we share strong human and historical ties dating back to the 9th century,” he added.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry also released a statement, saying: “We sincerely congratulate all our African friends on the occasion of 25 May Africa Day, which marks the 61st anniversary of the foundation of the African Union, that symbolizes the ideal of an integrated African continent and the desire to live together in tolerance."

Our relations with the strategically important African continent and its nations are conducted "in a holistic, institutional, and systematic framework, based on the principles of mutual respect and equality,” the statement added.

“The main objective of our cooperation with African countries is to ensure that peace, stability, and development take root throughout Africa,” it read.

Ankara will support African nations "to help make their voice heard stronger," the ministry said.

As part of Ankara's vision for Africa, the third edition of the Türkiye-Africa Ministerial Review Conference will be held this fall, the ministry said. "Happy Africa Day!"