Unity builds peaceful continent: African Union official

By Munira Abdelmenan Awel

ANKARA

Unity among African countries will help build a peaceful, prosperous and integrated continent, a top African Union official said in Turkey’s capital Ankara on Friday.

In a speech titled "Africa rising" marking Africa Day, co-organized by the African diplomatic corps with Ankara University, Thomas Kwesi Quartey, deputy chair of the African Union Commission, stressed that African countries should work to make sure borders do not hinder free movement across the continent.

Lines drawn by European powers during the colonial era are the borders which remain with Africa even today, he explained.

Africa Day celebrates the successes of the Organization of African Unity -- the African Union’s predecessor, founded on May 25, 1963 -- in the fight against colonialism and apartheid.

Earlier Quartey, a Ghanaian diplomat with decades of experience, told Anadolu Agency that he appreciates Turkey’s determination to cooperate with Africa, saying: "Turkey has always demonstrated its love and affection towards Africa."

He added: "Turkey offers the possibility of cooperation and education."

"For us, Turkey represents what is possible in education, science, and technology," he said, explaining how Turkey is a model country for Africa’s vision of its development.

Turkey, Africa's 'strategic ally'

The diplomat underlined the importance of education in the growth of the continent, saying: "We want every African child in school."

“You can find Turkey’s example of focusing on girls’ education," he added.

According to Quartey, Turkey is a major strategic ally for the African Union. It cooperates with African countries in such areas as establishing Ethiopia’s textile industry to building airports in Ghana to stabilizing Somalia in the Horn of Africa.

"For most people in Africa, Turkey is a friendly place, Turkey is near to us in spirit,” he said.

Quartey also thanked the people of Turkey and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, saying: “I am very happy to be here and to have a friend with such understanding and appreciation like Turkey."

At the event, Ankara University Professor Ilhan Karasubasi also stressed the importance of unity as cooperation between people goes beyond borders.

Concluding the event, Abdulkadir Gurey, Ankara University's deputy rector, presented Quartey with commemorative gifts.