Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko made a high-profile visit to Türkiye on Thursday, where he was warmly received by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara. The two leaders held bilateral talks focused on strengthening cooperation between their nations. Sonko also met with Numan Kurtulmuş, the Speaker of Türkiye’s Grand National Assembly, highlighting the broad scope of the diplomatic engagement.
During the visit, Senegal and Türkiye signed four major agreements covering defense, media, and education. These include a Military Financial Cooperation Agreement, a protocol amendment for cash assistance, a media co-production deal, and a memorandum of understanding between Senegal’s Ministry of Higher Education and Türkiye’s Council of Higher Education. These agreements aim to enhance institutional capacity, promote cultural exchange, and support technological advancement in both countries.
Türkiye has been steadily expanding its presence across Africa in recent years. Turkish Airlines, with its vast network of flights to African cities, has played a key role in connecting Ankara to the continent. In addition, Türkiye’s defense industry—especially its drone technology—has made it a valuable partner for many African nations. Senegal is among the countries that have acquired Turkish military equipment, reflecting growing trust and strategic alignment.
President Erdoğan’s previous visits to Senegal in 2018 and 2020 laid the foundation for this deepening relationship. Those trips included business forums and cultural exchanges, which helped build momentum for today’s agreements. The current visit by Prime Minister Sonko is seen as a continuation of that effort, aiming to elevate cooperation to a new level.
For Türkiye, the partnership with Senegal is part of a broader Africa strategy that seeks to increase trade volume with the continent to $75 billion. For Senegal, the collaboration offers access to advanced military technology, educational opportunities, and media partnerships that can support its national development goals. This visit marks a significant step forward in a relationship built on mutual respect, shared interests, and a vision for long-term cooperation.