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Source: Dış Politika
Foreign Policy
Location: Turkey
Author(s): Salih Zeki Karaca
Title: Turkish Foreign Policy In The Year 2000 And Beyond: Her Opening Up Policy To Africa
Turkish Foreign Policy In The Year 2000 And Beyond: Her Opening Up Policy To Africa
Issue: 3-4/2000
Citation Salih Zeki Karaca. "Turkish Foreign Policy In The Year 2000 And Beyond: Her Opening Up
style: Policy To Africa". Dış Politika 3-4:115-119.
https://www.ceeol.com/search/article-detail?id=247046
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Turkish Foreign Policy In The Year 2000 And Beyond: Her Opening Up
Policy To Africa
Salih Zeki Karaca*
At any assessments of Turkish Foreign Policy we must take into consideration her
geographical and geopolitical location. Turkey is at the crossroad of three continents: Asia,
Europe and Africa She have had interaction in their Continents and their people all through
the history. The Situation in not different today, at the age of information, fast communication
and transportation making possible than any period of history, all kind of interaction such as
political, economic, cultural contacts. We have to look at the Turkish Foreign Policy toward
Africa in this perspective.
As for Africa; it is a huge continent having rich and various natural resources, vast
agricultural areas and human resources. There are 53 countries in Africa. According to the
statistics %12 of the world population live on this continent. Whereas, world’s production of
goods and services in the continent is only %3.3 in 2010 the number of the population of
Africa is estimated to be more than 1 billion, which would represent % 15.3 of world
population. The economic growth rates in Africa in 1996 and 1998 had consecutively been
5.9 % and 3.4 %, which represented more than the world's average growth rates. According to
the estimates of IMF, this rate will be in 1999 and 2000 consecutively 3.1 % and 5.0 %, which
are also estimated to be more than world's average growth rates. Africa is a very reach
continent in natural sources and raw materials need to be exploited. It is a huge market for
traders and contractors to do business and to invest. Many countries have strong foothold in
Africa. Turkey is not among these countries~ However, in the past, during the period of
Ottoman Empire, Turkish rule and influence in Africa extended in the South down to Somalia
and Sudan, in the North, along the cost of Mediterranean up to the frontier of Morocco. After
centuries of presence in this part of African continent, the Ottomans left its last strong hold,
Libya just before the First World War.
It is still fresh in our memory what had happened during the decades before the First,
Second World Wars and thereafter in Africa and the African countries. That was a period of
history that many important developments took place in the world. It was the age of
industrialization of European Countries. The major powers competed for influences and
places in Africa and elsewhere in the world when the Ottoman Empire was facing big
problems in home from and its relations with neighboring countries. It is a historical fact that
the Ottoman Empire had suffered most than any other country from this fierce competition of
the major powers. The Ottoman Empire, after witnessing the colonization process in Africa
was conquered at the end of the 1st World War and new states created. In this context, one of
the most important events was, the emergence of a new, young and dynamic state, The
Republic of Turkey, created out of the ashes of the Ottoman Empire. The Republic of Turkey,
as an independent state joining the world community devoted all her efforts to establish a
solid political and socio-economic foundation of the Republic and create a peaceful
environment in her region fully in compliance with the famous motto of Mustafa Kemal
ATATÜRK, the Founder of the Republic: "Peace at home, Peace in the world".
*
Ambassador
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Even during such a hard phase of her history the interest of Republican Turkey with
Africa has never been ceased. From the very beginning of the proclamation of the republic,
Turkey continued to develop her relations with and enlarge her interests in African countries
struggling for freedom and prosperity. Except with North African Countries, it took a longer
time to establish relations with the African countries in the South of Sahara. At the eve of
decolonisation process and the access to the International Community of the first independent
black African states; Ghana, in late 1950's and Nigeria at the beginning of 1960's, Turkey
opened her first official mission, the Turkish General Consulate in Lagos, in 1956.
1 had two assignments during my diplomatic life in the Sub Saharan African
countries. First was as second secretary in Accra in early sixties and second in Lagos as
Ambassador between 1990-1995.
What myself and my colleagues serving in African Countries noticed was that the
competition, which started among big powers in 19th century, still continues. In spite of all its
problems, Africa is considered to be the continent of future as indicated by the statistical
figures mentioned above. Americans, British, Germans, French, Italians, Chinese, Japanese
and many others are going to Africa. Among them the excolonial powers have vested interests
and traditional political and socio-economic relationship. No one should expect that they
would give up him or her.
But, there are also places for Turkey in most African Countries to establish new
contacts and cooperations as well as to further develop all kind of existing bilateral relations
for the mutual interests. In this context, Turkey offering her experiences to help to find their
own models of political and socio-economic developments. Turkey with its big potential for
development has many things to share with friendly foreign countries. The model and level of
industrial development of Turkey is more suitable for the economic development of
developing and African Countries. There are much to learn by these countries from Turkish
experiences in their efforts of industrial station, agricultural and agro-industrial productions
and method of economic cooperation with industrialized countries- Turkey is also ready to
share know-how at her disposal.
On the other hand, Turkey has always been seen in Africa with admiration and
sympathy. It is believed that, this is because most African countries have sympathy to Turkey
due to religion. In fact, there are strong historical, cultural and religious bonds with a big
number of African countries. In the mind of the Christian people of Africa, there is also
sympathy for Turkey because of modernization efforts and progress she realized decades after
decades since 1920's. Beside, Turkey is not a colonial power. She is a candidate member of
European Union (EU) but she is at the same time an Asian and Middle East Country loyal to
her past tradition and International Law and order.
There is no impediment for further development of relations between Turkey and
African countries. One of the reasons of this mutual sympathy, I believe, is the existence of
various people with African background in Turkey and descendants of Turkish origin people
in African countries. These peoples are from, and in Egypt, Somalia, Sudan, Algeria and
Tunisia. There had and has never been discrimination according to color, religion and ethnic
origin in Turkey. The ground is there for the development of relations between Turkey and
the African countries. 'We have to cultivate it.
For the sympathy felt for Turkey in Africa I will give two examples. First, in Sudan it
is believed that all new ideas and techniques came from the ottomans- Second, is the
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recommendation of an eminent African scholars and politicians among them Nigerian Prof.
Chike Obi who believe that Atatürk's ideas or "Kemalism" for Black Africa is a sane
ideology.
Although, we had always contacts with all African countries within The United
Nations and other international Organizations, Turkey could not manage to develop her
economic, trade and cultural relation at a desirable level especially with the South of Saharan
countries.
Statistics on trade between Turkey and the African countries show that Turkey has
much to do in this field. The share of African countries in the total value of export of Turkey
is 6.7 % and in the total value of import is approximately 4 %. To be more precise, Turkish
export towards African countries which was 748 million $ in 1990 reached to 1,8 billion $ by
the end of 1998. Her import which was around 800 million $ between 1991 and 1994 reached
to 1.76 billion $ by the end of 1998.
4n the other hand, between 1994-1998, the increase of the total export of Turkey was
49 % while has total import increased 97 %. During the same period the export of Turkey to
African countries increased 115 % and the increase of her import from them was 104 %. At
the African import market, the volume of which was 134 billion $ in 1998, the share of
Turkish export was only 1 .8 billion $ which indicated that the Turkish share in this market is
only 1.4 %. Out of the total export of Turkey to African continent, 83 % was realized in North
African countries (Algiers, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia and Morocco) and the rest, 17 % was
directed to the others. To sum up, the volume of Turkish export to North African countries
has somehow been increased. Furthermore, statistics tell us that the trade volume between
Turkey and some North African and black African countries increased from 100 % up to 300-
400 %. But, if we look at the total volume of exports of Turkey to these countries we notice
that it has a relatively minor importance. Because the export figures of Turkey to the biggest
trade partner of Turkey Algeria in North and Liberia and Nigeria in West Africa are
consecutively only 482,2; 36,2 and 23,2 million $ in 1998. The same general pattern exists in
connection of import of Turkey from Africa. The value of Turkish imports from Algeria,
Liberia and Nigeria in 1998, were consecutively 547,3, 3,0 and 2,7 million $.
These statistics show that Turkey has to make sustained efforts in African countries
especially in the Sub Saharan regime to improve and increase her trade transaction and
economic cooperation. Similar situations exist with her relations in the field of educational,
cultural, technical contacts. No doubt, Turkey must have had much more developed relations
with African countries. Now, we are witnessing that the Government of Turkey has decided to
implement a new Policy of opening up to Africa to overcome the difficulties and obstacles in
promoting its relations with African Countries. According this Policy an Action Plan has been
prepared and put into action.
Among the aims of the Plan, there are every aspect of relations to be developed by
means of diplomatic, bilateral contacts, exchanges of visits and opening new representations
in African countries. The lack of representation of Turkey in the countries South of Sahara is
one of the important issues of the agenda of the Plan.
Similar policy was designed in 1970's. And a Plan of Action was put into
implementation. The essential instrument of this Plan of Action was the creation of Desk
System in the administrative organization of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. African Desk
was the first Desk created in this attempt of reorganization of the ministry, I was the head of
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African Desk about two years. Many activities had been done while African Desk remained in
function. However, after the initiators of the system, the Minister of the time and his close
collaborators took up different duties, the Desk system was abandoned. One of the reasons of
abandoning Desk system was the lack of personal to take care all kind of relationship from
political to trade, economic and technical and cultural contacts and affairs. It was impossible
to fulfill the duties assigned to the Desks by few officers. While I was the Head of the African
Desk, I had one assistant, an administrative officer and a secretary.
The same situation existed and 1 know still exists at the Embassies in African
countries with few exception. Permit me to share also with you some interesting experiences
of mine at the time of my two assignments in African Countries as a young diplomat in Ghana
in the middle year of 1960's and as Ambassador in Nigeria during the first half of 1990.
First, Ghana, as a new independent country wanting to diversify its trade approached
Turkish Embassy to import Tobacco. We informed the Ministry. But we were not able to
receive any response. The Israel Embassy's trade attaché proposed to do joint trade to Ghana
and elsewhere in Africa. We were not able to give any answer to that proposal as well.
Just before I left Ankara to take up my duty to Nigeria in 1990, the first meeting of
Joint Economic Commission was he1d in Ankara. The second meeting had to be held in
Nigeria. But, it was not possible to organize this meeting during 5 years I served there. There
was a standing invitation to our Foreign Minister to visit Lagos. I tried to do my best for the
realization of this visit. I was not able make it possible too. Among the decisions of 1st Joint
Economic Commission there was cooperation on energy matters and possible import by
Turkey Nigerian oil and liquidified natural gas. I tried to get the view of the Government on
this matter- Surprisingly I had a reply. It was as follows; "'Turkey is in negotiation with
neighboring countries and was not interested with Nigerian oil and gas". However, one year
later, Nigerian Gas Company knocked my door and informed me that they were just about to
sign a contract with Botaş to supply to Turkey 3 billion cubic meters gas per year by the end
of 1999.
My assignments to African countries coincided with two important periods of history.
The first was during the beginning of decolonisation process in Africa. The second, was at the
post collapse of Soviet Empire and the during the Globalization process in the world.
The last period was also an important period for Turkey. In fact, 1980's 'were the
years, when Turkey were busy to reform her political and economic systems. As a result of
these reforms the system of market economy was adopted. Macro-economic balances were
reestablished. The State encouraged private sectors and started an opening up policy to
foreign countries to attract investments and increase trade. And at the threshold of 2000,
Turkey has acquired a big economic potential enabling her to promote and enlarge her
relations not only with African countries but also with all foreign countries. Turkish interest
with African countries must be viewed from this perspective.
Even though, African countries face big political and socio-economic problems they
can be solved by their own dynamic and foreign assistance. Turkey, with her present
economic potential is in a position to help them and be a good partner. Turkey missed the
opportunity to establish close relationship with African Countries of Sub Saharan during the
decolonisation period. Now, it is high time for Turkey to compensate the time lost in this
respect. The new policy of opening up Lo Africa is very timely and well designed. However,
no room should be given for the failure of this policy as the one designed in 1970's and had to
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be abandoned. The institutionalization of this initiative is the most important measure to be
taken for the success of the policy. A solid and well-staffed Department, in the central
administration, that is to say at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs should be in charge for the
implementation of this policy on the one hand and the problems of personal matters of the
Embassies which are understaffed should be solve on the other. Without having known the
conditions and the climates of the countries with which you want to improve your economic,
trade and all other contacts and relations it would be impossible to be successful. Similarly,
mere encouragement of businessmen and international contractors to do business, undertake
contract and invest in these country is also not enough. You have to assist them in capital,
offer credits and insurance or guarantee far eventual loses. Turkey is strong and economically
big enough to provide these facilities if only the necessary legal ground is prepared
administrative measures are taken and organization is setup. The new Turkish Foreign Policy
of Opening up to Africa should give priority to these aspects in the implementation of the
Action Plan.
Before I conclude my intervention, I want to underline the importance of the
cooperation in educational and cultural field between Turkey and African countries.
Education and culture constitute a significant field of cooperation, since investment on human
beings is very important. Friendship among nations is created by human beings. For that
reason, the cooperation education and culture must have an important place in the new Policy
Of Opening Up To Africa of Turkey. All concerned Turkish authorities should give their full
political and financial support for its implementation such as signing agreements and granting
scholarships. In that context cooperation and interaction between universities should also be
encouraged and promoted. In line with this idea, it has come to my knowledge that the
establishment of an Institute of African Studies within the Foreign Policy Institute of Turkey
is planed. It is an initiative the most valuable for the mutual benefit of Turkey and African
countries. When established it will provide a good ground to exchange scholars and
researches to study political and economic problems of African countries and shed light to the
area of cooperations.
To sum up, Turkey is ready to offer to African countries her experience of nation
building. Since the beginning of the 20th century Turkey is a modern country. She is not a
colonial power. Africa needs economic cooperation. Turkey can easily be qualified a feasible
economic partner, since she has the model of economic development and technology more
suitable to Africa countries, the experiences in solving her socio-economic problems and
conducting her relations with outside world which always proved to be for the mutual benefit
of all sides.
I believed that the early decades of 21st century will witnessed the success of the new
Turkish Policy of opening up to Africa and ever-growing cooperation between Turkey and
African countries will bring them closer.
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