International Symposium: A Paradigm Shift in the Horn of Africa and Türkiye Relations
Africa Foundation, Kenya Diplomacy Scholars Association (DIPSAK), and the University of Nairobi Department of Diplomacy and International Studies will host a one-day summit on Türkiye – the Horn of Africa Relations in March 2023 in the University of Nairobi.
Continuously improving its relations with the Horn of Africa in recent years, Türkiye adopted a foreign policy change with the African Action Plan in 1998 and has deepened the ties with the declaration of 2005 as “the Year of Africa.” In 2008, the first Türkiye-Africa Cooperation Summit was held in Istanbul with the participation of representatives from 50 African countries, and the opening of new embassies in 15 African countries followed it. Since then, Turkish foreign policy towards African countries has become multidimensional with high-level political visits, economic relations, humanitarian aid, cultural and educational programs, and diplomatic efforts in the peaceful settlement of disputes.
The Horn of Africa has an especially important place for Turkish foreign policy as the communities of the two regions have religious and historical ties, and Türkiye’s political relations have been concentrated in the region on the continent. In addition, the trade with the Horn of Africa countries constitutes 12 percent of Türkiye’s total trade with Sub-Saharan Africa, and the major share of the investments by Turkish companies in Africa goes to the Horn of Africa countries. Alongside Türkiye’s governmental and non-governmental organizations’ engaging in various operations for development cooperation and humanitarian action in the region, 30 percent of the international students from Sub-Saharan African countries studying in Türkiye in the last ten years are from the Horn, cementing the social and cultural ties between the regions. The mutuality of the intention to improve relations can be understood through many strategic cooperations, including the invitation of Türkiye to the East African Community Partnership Fund.
You can use the link below to register for the symposium:
Online and Physical Participation Form
Important Dates
Symposium – March 22
Contact Persons
Hacer Atabaş ([email protected])
Africa Foundation in Ankara – Türkiye
Dr. Mumo Nzau ([email protected] / [email protected])
Department of Diplomacy and International Studies, University of Nairobi
Symposium Programs
09.00 – 10.00 Welcoming Remarks
10.00 – 12.00 Session I: Challenges in the Face of the Proliferation of Security Issues
12.00 – 13.30 Lunch Break
13.30 – 15.30 Session II: Institutionalization of Cross-Sectoral Economic Engagement
15.30 – 16.00 Coffee Break
16.00 – 18.00 Session III: Opportunities with the Multiplication of Diplomatic Spaces
Symposium Place
University of Nairobi Chandaria Hall
