Senegal-Turkey: When Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko seals a strategic partnership with Ankara
On an official visit to Ankara from August 6 to 11, 2025, Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko strengthened ties between Senegal and Türkiye through the signing, on August 7, of several strategic agreements. Standing alongside him, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan hailed this new phase in bilateral cooperation, now aiming for a more structured and assertive partnership in economic, security, and diplomatic spheres.
Among the documents signed was an additional protocol to the military and financial cooperation agreement, endorsed by the defense ministers of both countries, Yaşar Güler and General Birame Diop. This accord seeks to bolster security cooperation in a regional context marked by heightened tensions.
Recep Tayyip Erdoğan highlighted the upgrading of relations to the level of a strategic partnership, reflected in the creation of a High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council. He noted that discussions covered key areas such as trade, defense, agriculture, energy, transport, and mining, with the goal of tripling trade exchanges to reach one billion dollars.
The Turkish president praised Senegal’s stance on the international stage, particularly its unwavering support for the Palestinian cause, recalling that Dakar has chaired the UN Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People since 1975. He described the violence in Gaza as “genocide” and welcomed Sonko’s diplomatic alignment on the matter.
In his remarks, Ousmane Sonko conveyed greetings from President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and described the visit as “highly strategic.” He commended Türkiye’s economic model while affirming Senegal’s intention to pursue development outside the framework of aid, focusing instead on “balanced and respectful” partnerships.
On security matters, he reiterated Senegal’s determination to strengthen its military sovereignty by leveraging Turkish expertise. Regarding Gaza, Sonko condemned what he called a “planned genocide” and praised President Erdoğan’s diplomatic courage.
The Prime Minister concluded by announcing his participation in the Türkiye–Senegal Economic Forum in Istanbul, calling for greater cooperation in key sectors, guided by a spirit of shared sovereignty.
