Burkinabe minister faints during press conference with Turkish FM Davutoğlu

ISTANBUL

Burkinabé Foreign Affairs and Regional Cooperation Minister Djibrill Yipéné Bassolé (L) is seen with Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu (R) n this photo during his visit to Ankara May 9. AA photo

Burkinabé Foreign Minister Djibrill Yipéné Bassolé has fainted during a joint press conference with Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu in Ankara May 9.

The Turkish foreign minister and officials tried to aid the visiting dignitary as he was falling over the rostrum. Bassolé, who was taken to hospital for a medical checkup, was reported to be in good health. He had reportedly been undergoing antibiotic treatment for a cold.

Bassolé arrived in Ankara May 9 upon an invitation from Davutoğlu.

Davutoğlu, who also underwent an X-ray after sustaining a slight injury while trying to prevent Bassolé from falling, said his counterpart had suffered a partial blackout. 

"His heart is just fine but he has low blood sugar, which could explain what happened," doctors said.

Davutoğlu told reporters that Bassolé now looked well. "We will not let him go anywhere before we are completely sure," he nevertheless said adding that Bassole was scheduled to visit France on Monday but the trip will be cancelled.