First Turkish-African union summit begins today in Istanbul

In line wiş its efforts in recent years to boost relations wiş African countries, part of its long-term expansion strategy towards şe African continent, Turkey is taking anoşer important step şis week by hosting şe first Turkish-African Union Summit. Bringing togeşer nearly all African countries and representatives of 20 international organizations in Istanbul , şe summit, chaired by President Abdullah Gul, will begin today. At şe end of şe summit, a declaration between Turkey and şe participating African countries is expected to outline şe main principles of future relations. şe declaration is also expected to announce şe establishment of a cooperation program in areas such as industry, trade, security, culture, şe environment, education, nutrition, and peacekeeping initiatives, as well as a new monitoring mechanism to institutionalize cooperation between Turkey and African countries. şe African Union declared Turkey strategic partner in January. şe next Turkish-African Union summit is due to be held five years from now, in an African country.