CESME - A high level workshop takes place in Cesme town of the Aegean province of Izmir as a preparation to the 12th session of the United Nations Conference on Trade & Development (UNCTAD) scheduled for April 20th and 25th in Accra, Ghana.
Turkish International Cooperation & Development Agency (TIKA) Chairman Musa Kulaklikaya delivered the opening speech of the two-day workshop that focuses on less developed countries and general situation in the African continent.
Kulaklikaya said although Africa was one of the three continents that were the cradle of civilization, living standards in this continent were low.
"We have stepped up works towards the region particularly after 2005 was declared as Africa Year. TIKA has opened offices in 17 African countries," he said.
UNCTAD SG Dr. Supachai Panitchpakdi, Turkish Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Ertugrul Apakan, and Ghana's Foreign Minister Akvasi Osei-Adjei are expected to attend Wednesday session of the workshop.
Turkish President Abdullah Gul, as well as several heads of state and government are also expected to attend the 12th session of the UNCTAD conference in Accra where the high ranking executives will be seeking ways to boost trade of less developed countries.