Turkey’s declaration of “Action Plan for the Opening Policy towards Africa” in 1998 accelerated Turkey’s relations with African countries. Within this framework, “Development of Economic Relations with African Countries” strategy was adopted in 2003; Turkey declared 2005 as “Africa Year” and obtained “observer status” in African Union. Turkey was declared as the strategic partner of African Union in 2008 and became a member of Africa Development Bank. Turkey opened 19 new embassies in Africa between 2009 and 2012.

Turkey gives great importance to maintenance of peace and stability in Africa. Important developments in terms of economic relations and trade volume have been maintained with African countries in the recent years. Trade volume has increased six-fold to 20 billion dollars. 500 Turkish doctors and more than 100 medical personnel had worked in more than 20 African countries between 2007 and 2010.