Turkey and Côte d’Ivoire have signed a significant military agreement aimed at strengthening bilateral defence ties. The deal was finalised on Tuesday during the ongoing SAHA EXPO Defence and Aerospace Exhibition 2024 in Istanbul, Turkey’s and Europe’s largest industrial defence showcase.
The SAHA EXPO brings together over 1,400 companies from more than 120 countries, alongside 178 foreign procurement delegations and 312 official delegations, including 25 ministerial-level teams. The high-profile event served as the backdrop for this crucial step forward in Turkey and Côte d’Ivoire’s growing relationship.
Expanding defence collaboration
The Military Training and Cooperation Agreement was signed following a meeting between Turkey’s Minister of National Defence, Yaşar Güler, and Côte d’Ivoire’s Defence Minister, Tene Brahima Ouattara. The Turkish Defence Ministry announced the agreement on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting that this new partnership is expected to bolster security cooperation between the two nations, particularly in military training.
After the deal was signed, Güler and Ouattara exchanged their countries’ coats of arms, symbolising the deepening relationship between Turkey and Côte d’Ivoire.
Turkey’s expanding role in Africa
Turkey has significantly developed its defence industry over the last two decades, positioning itself as a global leader in military innovation. This new agreement with Côte d’Ivoire further underscores Turkey’s growing influence in Africa, particularly in the security sector.
Many African nations, including Côte d’Ivoire, have turned to Turkey for military equipment, such as drones, to help address security challenges. The Turkish military has also played a vital role in training African armies to enhance their defence capabilities and address regional security threats more effectively.
A history of strong relations
This military cooperation builds on already solid foundations. Diplomatic, economic, and security ties between Türkiye and African nations have strengthened in recent years. In 2016, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan visited Côte d’Ivoire, resulting in nine bilateral agreements across a variety of sectors, including security, technology, economy, and infrastructure development.
The latest deal signals not only a continuation but an expansion of these ties, particularly in defence and security. Türkiye’s military expertise and advanced defence technology have become increasingly important resources for African countries, many of whom face complex security environments.
As Turkey continues to deepen its relationships across the African continent, this agreement marks another step in its broader strategy of partnership and cooperation, benefiting both nations economically and militarily.
