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20 August 2008

Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka has concluded her Working Visit to Turkey with a meeting with President Abdullah Gul.

The meeting, on the sidelines of the First Turkey–Africa Co-operation Summit, saw both leaders commit to strengthening ties between the two countries both politically and economically.

At the meeting President Abdullah Gul also raised the issue of Turkey's intension of wanting to become a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) in 2009/10. Turkey as a founding member of the United Nations, has not held a seat in the Security Council for almost half a century.

President Gul said the current level of political, economic and cultural interaction between the two countries was far from reflecting the real potential.

President Gul added that in line with the Agreement on Air Transport, Turkish Airlines recommenced three flights per week between Istanbul and Johannesburg and Cape Town from October 2007. He said this was an important development as it shortens the distance between the two countries and contributes to an increase in business contact and tourism exchanges between the two countries.

Trade between the two countries has been increasing rapidly with a trade balance favouring Turkey since 2004. Trade has increased five-fold between 2001 and 2007.

In 2007, the top South African export products to Turkey consisted mainly of raw materials and semi-manufactured products, including gold, bituminous hard coal, catalytic converters, motor vehicles and automotive spare parts. For Turkey in 2007, the top export products to South Africa included fuel, motor vehicles, tractors, sanitary products and household products.

South Africa and Turkey relations are well developed with diplomatic representation in both countries. South Africa is Turkey's largest trade partner in sub-Saharan Africa.

Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, in the meeting with President Gul, echoed the Turkish President's sentiments on trade improvements saying South African businesspeople would be encouraged to look at investment opportunities in Turkey.

Mlambo-Ngcuka said both countries had to admit that they still have not maximised the potential that exists on the trade front. She said with economic co-operation and increased Turkish investment initiatives into Africa, there needed also to be increased commitment towards skills transfer to Africa as this was a necessary condition for balanced development and sustainable partnership.

For more information, please contact:
Denzil Taylor
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Issued by: The Presidency
20 August 2008