Turkey’s deputy PM visits Sudan

Turkey’s Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag visited Sudan today to discuss economic and political relations between the two countries. Talking points on the agenda included Turkey’s stance on issues affecting Sudan as well the recent projects completed in Sudan by the Turkish government. According to the Turkish Agency for Cooperation and Coordination, 50 projects have been completed in Sudan since the opening of its office in 2006. During the meeting, a leading Turkish official, Ottoman Watan Safar said: “Relations between Turkey and Sudan have witnessed notable progress in different fields, including health, agriculture, water and technical training.” He added that all projects had been executed in line with the Sudanese government. Meanwhile, El-Abeed Ahmed Morawah, spokesperson of Sudan’s Foreign Ministry, said: “Turkey is one of the most important players in the region. The Foreign Ministry praises the approach adopted by the Justice and Development Party to support Turkey’s relations with its Arab and Islamic circles and to increase its regional influence.” Today is the second day of Bozdag’s trip to the region, after visiting Somalia yesterday. He is scheduled to hold a number of meetings with Sudanese officials before returning to Turkey on February 24.