Mr. Ahmet Davutoğlu, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey participated in the meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Contact Group on Mali at the Ministerial Level on May 13, 2013 in Jeddah.

Underlining that OIC is a big family Foreign Minister Davutoğlu stated that it is not only moral, but political responsibility of the OIC and all of member states to demonstrate utmost solidarity with their Malian brothers and sisters. “We all followed the events unfolding in Mali since early last year with grave concern. Turkey’s main concern has been the preservation of sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of the brotherly and friendly Mali” said Foreign Minister Davutoğlu.

Referring to Turkey’s assistances to Mali Foreign Minister Davutoğlu pointed out that Turkey supported the international efforts led by the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the United Nations to provide assistance from international community and on a bilateral account, Turkey transferred 750.000 USD to the relevant trust fund.

In order to achieve enduring peace, stability and economic recovery in Mali, Foreign Minister Davutoğlu emphasized that it should be focused on ensuring territorial integrity and national unity, efforts for national reconciliation, steps for the restoration of democratic order and sustainable economic recovery. Foreign Minister Davutoğlu said “All these steps have to be administered simultaneously. With this understanding, Turkey welcomed the adoption of the Transitional Road Map by the Malian National Assembly, the establishment of the Dialogue and Reconciliation Commission and steps for the realization of presidential elections.”

Foreign Minister Davutoğlu also mentioned that on bilateral basis, as agreed during the visit of Malian Minister of Foreign Affairs to Turkey last month, Action Plan which aims the enhancement of cooperation in a variety of interrelated and intersecting areas is prepared.”

Foreign Minister Davutoğlu also proposed to host the next Contact Group meeting in Turkey.

Speech Delivered by H.E. Ahmet Davutoğlu, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey, at the OIC Ministerial Contact Group for Mali, 13 May 2013, Jeddah