Turkey seeks greater partnership with African media

The forum, which opened at the seven-star JW Marriot hotel in Ankara, republic of Turkey, brought together 300 media owners, editors and other figures invited from 54 African Union member countries along with Turkey.

Organized under the auspices of Turkish deputy premier Bulent Arinc, and organized by the office of the prime minister’s directorate general of Press and Information and supported by the African Media Initiative, the forum provides an opportunity for comprehensive information sharing and exchange of views.

It is also expected to create professional solidarity among media institutions and journalists, through forming a common platform and communication channels.

Under the theme: “Designing a Common Future and Media”, the forum will see several panellists, including Gambia’s own Professor Muhammed Kah, vice chancellor of the University of The Gambia, and Bai Emil Touray, president of the Gambia Press Union, deliberate on topics relating to “Turkey and Africa: Opportunities and Challenges”.

Also to be deliberated upon by the panelists are topics relating to social media in Turkey and African countries: social media’s impact in improving democratic culture; and, Turkey and Africa: media communication and technology; as well as framework for cooperation between Turkish and African media houses, among others.

Declaring the forum open, Bulent Arinc underscored the importance of the forum, and stressed that Turkey seeks stronger partnership with Africa and African media houses.

“Turkey sees Africans as brothers and sisters, and we have high regards for Africa and its people,” he said, adding that in the coming years, Turkey will focus on strengthening its relationship with Africa.

Africa, he noted, has a lot of potentials, and this is well noted by Turkey.

“Using the power of media is imperative in a world where we seek for peace and progress, and Turkey is ready to partner with Africa in making sure that we develop a strong relationship with African media establishments,” he stated.