Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held meetings with his counterparts from Bangladesh, Panama, and several African nations during the Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF).

The Turkish Foreign Ministry confirmed the meetings with Bangladeshi Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud and Panamanian Foreign Minister Janaina Tewaney Mencomo but provided no details on the discussions. Fidan also met with African counterparts and regional leaders, according to diplomatic sources.

Fidan emphasized the strong relationship between Türkiye and African countries, built on equal partnership and mutual respect. He highlighted the presence of Turkish diplomatic missions in 44 African nations, exceeding $40 billion in total trade volume and $6 billion in direct investments.

Fidan criticized the involvement of "neo-colonial" powers in Africa and stressed the importance of finding solutions to the continent's challenges, including security, development, food access, and debt, within Africa itself. He announced the upcoming organization of the 3rd Türkiye-Africa cooperation conference.

Fidan expressed gratitude to South Africa, Djibouti, and Comoros for their actions supporting the Palestinian cause at the International Court of Justice.

The three-day Antalya Diplomacy Forum, attended by nine heads of state and government and 25 African foreign ministers, concluded on Sunday. (ILKHA)