Gül meets with African leaders

ANKARA - Anatolia News Agency

In this May 31 photo provided by Turkish Presidency Press Bureau, Turkey’s President Abdullah Gül (R) and Somalia’s Prime Minister Abdiweli Mohamed Ali, (2nd L), are seen during a meeting in Istanbul, Turkey. A number of African leaders also joined the meeting. AP photo

Turkish President Abdullah Gül held talks with Somalia’s President Sheikh Sharif Ahmed, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, Djibouti’s President Ismail Omar Guelleh, Burundi’s President Pierre Nkurunziza, and Yemeni Prime Minister Mohammed Salim Basindawa in Istanbul, on the sidelines of the second edition of the International Istanbul Somalia Conference.

Officials told the Anatolian news agency that Gül and the presidents discussed bilateral relations, as well as the internal situation in Somalia.

In his meeting with Somalia’s President Ahmed, Gül said that transition process in Somalia would be completed on Aug. 20, and that he hoped the process would be finalized without any problems.

Gül said Turkey attached a great importance to Somalia and has extended assistance to the country.
Ahmed said they expected tangible outcomes from the conference regarding the structuring of the state.

During his meeting with the Ugandan president, Gül said there had been a boost in ties between the two countries after Musenevi’s visit to Turkey in May 2010. Turkish Airlines had also launched regular flights to Kampala, he noted.

In his meeting with Djibouti’s President Guelleh, Gül said Turkey was eager to open an embassy in the country, stating that the current trade volume of $45 million dollars should also be boosted.

Guelleh said there were perfect relations between Djibouti and Turkey, and suggested that the two countries could cooperate in the geothermal, solar and wind energy areas.

Turkey to keep supporting Yemen: Gül
Gül and Yemeni Prime Minister Basindawa discussed the situation in Yemen, as well as wider developments in the Middle East and North Africa. Basindawa said Yemen was eager to enhance relations with Turkey, while Gül said Turkey would continue to support Yemen.