Senegal and Turkey reaffirmed on Friday, April 10, 2026, their commitment to elevating their cooperation to a higher level, during the 6th session of the Joint Commission on Trade, Economic and Technical Cooperation, which was held from April 9 to 10 at the Azalaï Hotel.

Co-chaired by the authorities of both countries, this meeting takes place within an international context marked by profound changes, notably the reconfiguration of global economic balances and value chains. In this context, both parties emphasized a partnership based on mutual respect, trust, and a shared vision.

Pragmatic cooperation in the face of global challenges

The Minister of African Integration and Foreign Affairs, Cheikh Niang, emphasized the need to adapt this cooperation to new international challenges. He stressed the importance of a pragmatic partnership, geared towards concrete results, particularly in terms of growth, job creation, and sustainable development.

In her address, the Turkish Minister of Family and Social Services, Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş, head of the delegation, highlighted the significant growth in economic exchanges between the two countries. Bilateral trade reached $494 million in 2025, a 23% increase compared to the previous year, with the goal of exceeding $1 billion.

Present in several key sectors, including infrastructure, energy, mining and textiles, more than 60 Turkish companies currently operate in Senegal. They have totaled investments estimated at over $780 million, with around forty projects completed to date.

Beyond economic aspects, the two countries also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in the areas of education, health, and social services. Several initiatives have been implemented, including scholarship programs, development projects, and humanitarian aid.

The work of this session identified priority areas for cooperation, particularly in trade, investment, infrastructure, and skills transfer. However, the Senegalese authorities emphasized the need for rigorous monitoring of the agreements reached to ensure their effective implementation.

The ceremony concluded with the signing of the minutes of the session, formalizing the commitments made by both parties and defining a roadmap for strengthening their cooperation in the years to come.

The next session of the Joint Commission will be held in Turkey, with the ambition of further consolidating this strategic partnership and making it a lever for sustainable development for both countries.