By Halim Gençoğlu
The recent visit by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to Johannesburg, South Africa, in 21st of February 2025 highlights not only the growing diplomatic relations between Türkiye and South Africa but also the historical and strategic importance of Türkiye’s presence on the African continent. Meeting with his South African counterpart Ronald Lamola, Fidan’s visit underscores Türkiye’s commitment to building deeper ties with South Africa, particularly in areas of trade, investment, and defense cooperation. The discussions held during the G20 Foreign Ministers’ meeting are also significant within the context of Türkiye’s broader foreign policy goals and its evolving relationship with Africa.
Türkiye and South Africa have increasingly aligned interests, with trade and mutual investment standing out as key pillars of their bilateral relationship. South Africa’s strategic position in sub-Saharan Africa makes it an important partner for Türkiye as both countries seek to expand their economic footprints. The discussions around investment opportunities and potential defence collaborations also reflect Türkiye’s growing engagement with African nations in the context of security, technological exchange, and economic development.
The G20 summit in South Africa (held in Johannesburg in February 2025) is expected to include representatives from the 19 member countries and the European Union. The G20 members are Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa (the host country) South Korea, Türkiye, United Kingdom, United States. Additionally, the European Union participates as a member, and representatives from the African Union and other invited nations and organisations also attended to engage in discussions.
Minister Fidan’s participation in the G20 foreign ministers’ meeting in Johannesburg allowed Türkiye to express its views on global geopolitical issues. He highlighted critical matters such as the ongoing crisis in Gaza, the Syria-Lebanon situation, and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. As part of the G20, Türkiye remains an influential player in advocating for comprehensive solutions to international challenges, particularly in regions such as the Middle East and Eastern Europe.
The G20 platform also serves as an opportunity for Türkiye to pursue its foreign policy objectives, including raising issues such as global political instability, terrorism, and the refugee crisis. During Türkiye’s presidency of the G20 in 2015, political issues were integrated into the economic discussions, paving the way for broader, multi-dimensional dialogues that included human security and global governance.
Türkiye’s Legacy in South Africa
The significance of Türkiye’s diplomatic efforts in South Africa also lies in the historical and cultural legacy that Türkiye’s shares with the African continent. Though Türkiye’s modern presence in Africa dates back only a few decades, its historical influence, particularly during the Ottoman Empire’s interactions with various African states, remains a cornerstone of Türkiye’s identity in the region. This legacy is particularly evident in Türkiye’s ongoing support for African nations in their struggles for independence and sovereignty.
As is well known, the Ottoman Empire did not follow a colonial policy in Africa like the Western powers. In fact, in 1862, it sent an Islamic theology professor, Abubakr Effendi, to South Africa to educate the local Muslims. Abubakr Effendi opened a school in Cape Town, learned the local language, and married a local woman, dedicating the rest of his life to serving the people of South Africa. Additionally, Mehmet Remzi Bey, the last Ottoman consul general, was imprisoned by the British as a prisoner of war during World War I. in Johannesburg. Unable to return to Istanbul, he was buried in the Braamfontein Cemetery. Therefore, the relations between South Africa and Türkiye date back much further in history.
Moreover, the racist Apartheid regime, which began in South Africa in 1948, made the indigenous black and Muslim populations second-class citizens in their own country. The regime, led by a small white minority, was protested by Türkiye’s ambassador to Morocco Vecdi Türel at a conference in Tanzania in 1967. In fact, Türkiye also imposed an embargo in 1968 against the racist regime of the British colony of Rhodesia.
Briefly, based on these historical relations, Türkiye’s emphasis on solidarity with the African continent is rooted in shared values of cooperation, mutual respect, and support for sustainable development. The Turkish government’s commitment to initiatives such as the African Union, as well as development programs targeting education, healthcare, and infrastructure in Africa, continues to strengthen Türkiye’s position as a key partner for South Africa and other African nations.
South Africa’s G20 Presidency
The G20, or Group of Twenty, is a crucial international forum that brings together the world’s major economies to discuss and coordinate global economic policies. The G20 represents 19 of the world’s largest economies, accounting for about 85% of global GDP and around 75% of international trade. This makes it a vital platform for coordinating economic policies, addressing financial crises, and promoting economic growth and stability worldwide. It serves as a space where countries can collaborate to tackle issues like global recessions, trade imbalances, and economic inequalities.
South Africa assumed the G20 presidency in December 2024, and its leadership will be critical in shaping the agenda of the forum. With priorities such as disaster resilience, debt sustainability for low-income countries, financing for a just energy transition, and promoting inclusive growth through critical minerals, South Africa is poised to lead significant discussions that will affect global development policies. Türkiye’s participation in these discussions is crucial, as it seeks to support these priorities while advancing its own agenda, particularly in the areas of political stability, global economic cooperation, and the challenges posed by climate change and geopolitical tensions.
Türkiye’s experience during its own G20 presidency in 2015, where it brought political issues into economic debates, gives it a unique perspective in helping to address South Africa’s agenda in the upcoming G20 discussions. Türkiye has always argued that global economic issues cannot be effectively tackled without considering political and security concerns, particularly those that affect vulnerable regions.
Conclusion
The visit by Türkiye’s Foreign Minister to South Africa symbolizes much more than just diplomatic engagement—it is a reflection of the evolving and deepening relationship between the two nations, as well as Türkiye’s growing influence on the African continent. As South Africa assumes the G20 presidency and addresses pressing issues such as sustainable development and geopolitical stability, Turkish participation will be vital in shaping the future of global cooperation. At the same time, the historical ties and continued investment in Africa ensure that Türkiye’s legacy in the region remains significant and strengthening bonds between Türkiye and South Africa for years to come.
Bibliography
- Turkish Foreign Ministry Sources. “Hakan Fidan Meets South African Counterpart Ronald Lamola in Johannesburg.” February 2025.
- G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. “G20 Foreign Ministers Address Global Geopolitical Situation, Trade, and Defense Cooperation.” February 2025.
- Halim Gençoğlu, Halim. The Ottoman Empire and Africa: Diplomatic and Cultural Interactions. Istanbul: Libra, 2018.
- Halim Gençoğlu, Halim. Turkish Cultural Heritage in South Africa Ankara: Türk Tarih Kurumu, 2020.
- South African Government. “G20 Presidency 2024–2025: South Africa’s Priorities.” 2024.
- UN News. “Türkiye’s Role in Global Diplomacy and Security: A Focus on Gaza and Ukraine.” January 2025.
- South African Government. “G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, Johannesburg: Outcomes and Future Discussions.” 2025.
- Halim Gençoğlu, Halim. The Global Context of Turkish-African Relations: Economic and Political Dimensions. Istanbul: Gece Kitaplığı, 2021.
- International Court of Justice (ICJ). “Genocide Case Filed Against Israel: Ongoing Legal Proceedings.” February 2025.
- G20 Summit Documents. “Global Geopolitical Situation and Sustainable Development Goals.” 2025.