Turkey and Senegal discuss defense cooperation as Erdoğan celebrates African ties
Turkey Strengthens Defense Ties with Senegal
Turkey has deepened its defense cooperation with Senegal, as evidenced by a series of agreements signed in recent years. The focus of these agreements lies primarily in the areas of security, defense industry collaboration, and the fight against terrorism.
During a high-level meeting between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, both leaders discussed the broadening of cooperation in these key areas. President Erdoğan expressed his expectation to further strengthen Turkish solidarity in defense matters in the coming period.
One of the most significant defense-related agreements is the Military Financial Cooperation Agreement, signed on August 7, 2025, by Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler and Senegalese Minister of the Armed Forces General Birame Diop. This agreement aims to enhance joint efforts in defense and security matters.
The discussion between the two leaders also touched upon the growing interest of Senegal and other African countries in Turkish defense products, particularly affordable and effective drones. President Erdoğan expressed pleasure at this growing interest, viewing it as an opportunity to strengthen these relations further.
In addition to defense-related agreements, Erdoğan and Sonko also oversaw the signing of four agreements to enhance cooperation in media, education, and defense. These agreements mark a significant step forward in the bilateral relations between Turkey and Senegal.
President Erdoğan has been vocal about his views on Africa, considering it the "star of our century" due to its wealth of young workers, dynamism, and natural beauty. He rejects any "arrogant, condescending, orientalist approach" towards the African continent and asserts that anyone criticizing the Turkish-African partnership is attempting to limit Turkey's potential.
In a strategic move, Turkey has been consolidating its foothold in Africa, boosting economic and defense cooperation with several African countries, including Somalia, Libya, Kenya, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Ghana. Many African countries are turning away from their former colonial rulers and looking towards Turkey for cooperation. These defense agreements have opened up contracts for Turkish defense manufacturers, particularly for their reputedly reliable and inexpensive drones.
In conclusion, the defense-related agreement between Turkey and Senegal, the Military Financial Cooperation Agreement, alongside ongoing dialogue and joint commitments, serves as a testament to the growing defense industry cooperation and security collaboration between the two countries for 2025–2028. This agreement is part of a broader strategic pattern of Turkey deepening its defense ties with several African nations.
References:
- Anadolu Agency
- Daily Sabah
- Hurriyet Daily News
- TRT World
- The Military Financial Cooperation Agreement, signed between Turkey and Senegal in 2025, is a key example of the expanding defense ties that extend to other African nations, according to reports from Anadolu Agency, Daily Sabah, Hurriyet Daily News, and TRT World.
- Beyond defense-related agreements, Turkey and Senegal also signed accords in education, media, and defense, marking a significant advancement in their relations and aligning with Turkey's comprehensive approach to African cooperation, as stated by President Erdoğan.
- As Turkey bolsters its defense industry ties with Africa, the growing interest in Turkish defense products, particularly drones, presents an opportunity for further diplomacy and strengthened relations, a topic of discussion between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko.
