ISTANBUL - Turkish President Abdullah Gul said on Tuesday that they decided to organize the meeting of heads of state and government of Turkey-Africa Cooperation Summit once every five years.
Delivering a speech in a press conference held after Turkey-Africa Cooperation Summit in Ciragan Palace in Istanbul, Gul said, "Turkey`s assistance to African countries` efforts for economic and social development has been welcomed by our African friends. Especially Turkish International Cooperation and Development Agency`s (TIKA) activities were appreciated in Africa."
Gul said an African country would host the 2nd Turkey-Africa Cooperation Summit in 2013.
"I had bilateral talks with heads of delegations of 42 countries within the scope of the summit," he said.
Replying to a question on his meeting with Sudan`s President Omar al-Bashir, Gul said al-Bashir and he discussed Darfur in their meeting. "I told him that human suffering agitates all, no matter which religion, ethnicity or language those who suffer belong to. I told the president (al-Bashir) that the Sudanese government should work hard in regard to this matter," Gul said.
Asked whether African countries support Turkey`s candidacy to have a nonpermanent seat at the UN Security Council, Gul said African countries fully supported Turkey`s candidacy.
Gul said terrorist attacks took place in Algeria, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Turkey on Tuesday. "We condemn terrorism strongly. I also want to underline that there is need for international cooperation in fight against terrorism."
After the press conference, President Gul also hosted a dinner at Feriye Restaurant in honor of representatives of African countries who attended the summit.
(EÖ)
(DIP)