Turkey marks Africa Day

Turkey marked Africa Day on Friday as it vowed continued support for the continent's development.

"We join in celebrating Africa Day of the African Union and the African countries," the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

It said the relations between Turkey and African countries "derive their strength from historical bonds" and they were connected to each other in "a common vision for the future".

"We fully support the development efforts of the African Continent, whose influence is progressively increasing at the global level," it added.

The statement also said that Turkey would maintain its efforts to further boost its cooperation with the African countries, which had already gained a "considerable momentum" over the last decade.

Stating that Turkey would continue to show solidarity with Africa both at regional and international platforms, it said Turkey also aimed at further cooperation in strategic partnership with the African Union.

The anniversary of the foundation of the African Union (AU), formerly Organization of African Unity (OAU) on May 25, 1963, is celebrated every year all around the world as Africa Day.