Ankara: Trkiye's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced significant progress in Trkiye's relations with the African continent, emphasizing a foundation of mutual respect and the win-win principle. According to Anadolu Agency, Fidan shared these insights during a joint news conference with Botswana's Minister of International Affairs, Phenyo Butale, following their meeting at the Turkish Foreign Ministry. Fidan noted that Butale's visit marks the second time this year he has been to Trkiye, highlighting the earlier meeting during the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in April. He emphasized that Trkiye's engagement with Africa has evolved into a partnership policy, with Trkiye's flag now present in nearly all African countries. The upcoming 4th Trkiye-Africa Partnership Summit next year is expected to further strengthen these ties, with support from African nations, including Botswana. The opening of Trkiye's embassy in Gaborone in 2014 was a pivotal moment for bilateral relations, according to Fidan. He expressed T rkiye's readiness to assist Botswana in establishing an embassy in Trkiye, aiming to bolster economic cooperation. The two nations are set to hold the 3rd Meeting of the Joint Cooperation Commission in Gaborone, as they explore potential in economic collaboration. The recent Trkiye-Botswana Business Council Meeting in Ankara underlined the importance of enhancing trade, investment, and infrastructure cooperation to support Botswana's economic growth. Fidan highlighted newly signed agreements and plans for further collaborations, including in the defense industry. Trkiye's commitment to offering scholarships to Botswana students and their preference for studying in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus were also noted. Fidan addressed Trkiye's broader role in Africa, emphasizing its constructive efforts in conflict resolution on the continent. He pointed out that Trkiye's diplomatic presence, with embassies in 44 African countries, underscores its commitment to Africa. Nearly 100 agreements in military and security fields, along with substantial trade and economic agreements, reflect Trkiye's proactive engagement. The trade volume between Trkiye and Africa has surged from $4.3 billion in 2002 to a projected $36.6 billion in 2024. During the meeting, a Memorandum of Understanding on Political Consultations between Trkiye and Botswana was signed. Butale echoed the win-win principle in developing cooperation within Africa and expressed intentions to establish an embassy in Ankara. He praised Trkiye's peace efforts globally and noted the active role of the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) in sustainable development projects in the region. In a broader context, Fidan highlighted the solidarity between Botswana and Palestine, criticizing Israel's policies in Gaza. He emphasized the need for a two-state solution for Middle East peace and Trkiye's active role in diplomacy for a Gaza ceasefire and humanitarian aid. As chair of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation's Foreign Ministers' Council, Trki ye has called for a meeting in Jeddah to address Israel's operations in Gaza. Fidan underscored the critical humanitarian situation in Gaza, where two million people face hunger due to Israeli policies.