Closer Turkish ties to Afrika pledged

Turkey and the 53-nation African Union yesterday reaffirmed their readiness to improve ties, saying that cooperation benefits both sides. Foreign Minister Ali Babacan, speaking at a joint press conference with African Union Commission Chairman Jean Ping in Ankara, said that Turkey wants to further develop relations with African countries. "We're looking at the continent of Africa from a long-term, lasting approach, not a short-term perspective," he said. Babacan stated that he is hopeful that Turkey and Africa will cooperate in many fields thanks to the fast-growing Turkish economy and Turkey's rising international influence, as well as the large potential for cooperation in several areas in the African continent.