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Côte d'Ivoire Signs Military Cooperation Agreement with Turkey
Thursday, 24 October 2024 19:12 
(Ecofin Agency) - This agreement strengthens the military cooperation that began between Côte d'Ivoire and Turkey in 2015.
On October 23, the Ivorian Ministry of Defense tweeted that it has signed a new military cooperation agreement with Turkey. This agreement was finalized during a visit by Minister Téné Birahima Ouattara to the SAHA EXPO in Turkey. Under the agreement, both countries will cooperate in the area of training.
La Côte d'Ivoire ? et la Turquie ? ont signé un accord de coopération militaire et de formation. Les ministres de la Défense, Yaşar Güler et Téné Birahima Ouattara, ont officialisé cet engagement à travers un protocole d’accord.#MEMDEF#COOPÉRATION
— Ministère d'Etat, Ministère de la Défense CI (@MINDEF_CI) October 23, 2024
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Minister Ouattara stated that this agreement will enhance the skills of the armed forces and promote a fruitful exchange of expertise between Côte d'Ivoire and Turkey. His visit to SAHA EXPO, a leading platform for the defense industry, marks a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations.
Turkey has been actively pursuing relations in Africa for several years. This initiative aims to secure new markets for military technology exports. Countries like Côte d'Ivoire, which faces ongoing terrorist threats from the Sahel region, are seen as key partners.
A report from the German Institute for International and Security Affairs, published in June 2022, reveals that Turkish arms exports to Africa rose from $82.9 million in 2020 to $460.6 million in 2021. At least 37 security cooperation agreements have been signed between Ankara and 30 African nations.
Since 2015, Turkey has maintained a security cooperation agreement with Côte d'Ivoire, established during Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara's first visit to Turkey. This new agreement aims to further solidify their bilateral relations in security and defense.
According to data from the TradeMap platform, Turkey's exports to Africa reached $21.3 billion in 2023, with approximately $269.7 million going to Côte d'Ivoire.
