Africa ─ which is the second-largest continent of the world with an area of 30 million km², rich in natural resources, and has a young population ─ is expected to play a more active role in the international system in the second half of the 21^st century.

In line with its approach of “African resolutions for Africa’s problems,” Turkey will continue to share its historical experience and its social, political and cultural knowledge as well as its means and resources with African administrations and peoples.

The visits President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan paid to friendly and brotherly countries of Africa have strengthened the Turkey-Africa relations in a lot of respects.

First Lady Emine Erdoğan, who accompanied President Erdoğan on his visits to Africa, took close interest in the problems of African women and children and visited institutions and organizations that work in areas related to women and children.

In this regard, the First Lady initiated a social responsibility project aimed at the nonprofit sale in Turkey of handicrafts made by African women for a price they deserve, with the income to be sent to African women.

The “African Handicrafts Market and Cultural House” was opened in the Altındağ district of Ankara under the coordination of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and with the support of organizations like the MUSIAD, the TİKA and Turkish Airlines.

This venue, where handicrafts from Africa will be put on display and sold, has also been designed as a Cultural House where African students and members of the African missions in Turkey can come together and hold cultural events. Founding an “African Library” and undertaking Africa-centered social and cultural studies are also among the plans.

Turkey’s policy towards Africa, besides its political, economic and cultural dimensions, is built on a historical basis that has a humanitarian aspect. This policy is the product of an inclusive approach that encompasses state bodies, private sector and NGOs.

The African House is an expression of sensitivity about problems of all women regardless of their religion, language or ethnicity and is a beacon of fraternity.