Erdogan in South Africa to lay blocks for development, ambassador says

Turkey and South Africa are to assess the current level of relations between the two countries to lay building blocks for sustainable development in the future, Tebogo Seokolo, the South African ambassador to Turkey, in an interview with Today's Zaman last week said on the eve of the Turkish prime minister's visit to his country on Monday. Although he pointed to a growing diplomatic connection between the countries, the ambassador acknowledged there was great room for Turkey and South Africa to develop their current relations, which in time might turn into high-level council meetings and fuel the momentum between the regional powers. Seokolo also highlighted the importance of the August visit by Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu in drawing the countries closer and readying both for even higher-level relations. The ambassador also added that Davutoglu's visit carried great significance because it paved the way and "set the tone" for the visit of the prime minister. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is going to South Africa today in response to the invitation of Vice President Kgalema Mothlanthe. A crowded group consisting of ministers, deputies and businessmen will accompany the Prime Minister during his visit