Aim of talks is to secure PKK departure: Turkish PM

NIGER

AA Photo

The aim of Turkey’s ongoing peace process is to convince the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) to abandon its arms and leave Turkey, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said today during a press conference in Niger.

"Our sincerity can be seen in the steps we have been taking," Erdoğan said. "The aim is to have the separatist terrorist organization leave Turkey. [It should] give up arms and leave Turkey."

Erdoğan, who was speaking in Niamey, started his African tour on Jan. 6 in Gabon. After Niger, he will head for talks in Senegal.

Turkey will sign several bilateral agreements with the three African countries during Erdoğan’s tour, which is designed to provide concrete steps to further develop Turkey’s relations with the continent.

4 Turks, some Palestinians among freed prisoners

Meanwhile, four Turkish citizens and some Palestinians were among the prisoners freed during a massive prisoner exchange that took place earlier today in Damascus, Erdoğan said.

"It was a process initiated by a Turkish NGO and Qatar," Erdoğan said. "We hope that many victimized individuals will soon be saved."

Africa continent is not center of exploitation, Erdoğan says

NIAMEY - Anatolia News Agency

Africa should not be seen as a center of exploitation anymore, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said during a joint press event with Nigerian President Mohammed Issoufou at the presidential palace in Niamey, the capital of Niger.

Erdoğan, who is being accompanied by a large Turkish business mission during his six-day visit to Africa, said in Niamey that imperial powers on the continent should give back what they took from Africa.

“If they cannot do it, then history will call them to account,” Erdoğan said.

He added that Turkey was decisively supporting Africa and that the relations of the two countries dated back to the 15th century, as evidenced by a region in northern Niger referred to as “Istanbulewa.” Turkish investors aim to build a 450-kilometer-long road between this region and Niamey, Erdoğan said.

Niger President Mohammed Issoufou said he was happy about Erdogan’s visit, which he called “historic”.

Erdoğan proceeded to Senegal today.