Erdogan: "Turkish Government has declared 2005 as African Year

Turkish Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan said, ''Turkish government has declared 2005 as African Year.''''There is an important economic potential between Turkey and the countries which I will visit during my tour of Africa. Also we focus on cooperation in third countries,'' he added.Erdogan spoke to reporters at Ankara's Esenboga Airport prior to his departure for Ethiopia on Tuesday.Erdogan said, ''our visit is an important opportunity to develop and diversify bilateral relations in political, economic, commercial and socio-cultural areas.''''Both Ethiopia and Republic of South Africa exert efforts to settle stability and permanent peace in Africa. I think we can cooperate with both countries in this area. Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia, is the political capital of African continent. Ethiopia hosts African Union and UN Africa Economic Commission. We have also opportunities of cooperation within the frame of economic cooperation organizations like 'new partnership for development of Africa' and 'eastern and southern Africa common market','' noted Erdogan.Erdogan said, ''Republic of South Africa is important in its region with the political and economic power it has. It is a leading country for stability. It undertakes important roles to end poverty in Africa.''Erdogan noted, ''during my tour, I will meet Ethiopian President Girma Woldegiorgis, Premier Meles Zenawi as well as President Thabo Mbeki of Republic of South Africa, Vice President Jacob Zuma and Western Cape Premier Ebrahim Rasool.''''My visit will also be beneficial in the aspect of commercial activities and mutual investments as well as investments in third countries,'' added Erdogan.Erdogan said, ''I will address Turkish and Ethiopian businessmen in Addis Ababa. I will open Program Coordination Office of Turkish Cooperation & Development Authority (TIKA). I will also make opening remarks of Turkey-South Africa Republic Businessmen Meeting on partnership for development in Cape Town.''Erdogan will return to Turkey on March 5th. Â