The 50th Anniversary celebrations of African Union (AU) will take place in Addis Ababa on May 25, 2013. The year-long activities will be held under the theme “Pan-Africanism and the African Renaissance”. We welcome the steady progress of the African Union, established with the vision of ensuring unity, solidarity and co-operation between the peoples and governments of Africa, on the road laid down by its founders.
Activities to mark the ‘‘Africa Day’’ were organized on May 22-24, 2013 upon the initiative of ambassadors of the African countries in Ankara. On behalf of the Turkish Government, Mr. Bekir Bozdağ, Deputy Prime Minister participated in the symposium hosted by Hacettepe University. Moreover, trees were planted at the ‘‘Africa Day’’ memorial forest in Keçiören which has been set up with the joint initiative of Keçiören Municipality and the ambassadors of African countries.
It is our firm belief that African countries will continue to make significant progress in many areas such as democracy, good governance, human rights, economic development, health, education, communication and infrastructure in the coming years.
Turkey, as the strategic partner of the African Union will continue to support the African countries and to act as the voice of Africa in regional and international platforms.
- The Ambassadors of African countries in Ankara plant trees at the memorial forest.