We were invited to the ambassadors' dinner in Paris, organized on Turkey's initiative on the theme: “Turkey's presence in Africa.” The evening provided an opportunity for a particularly rich debate between various civil society actors, diplomats, and experts on Turkey's current strategic position on the international stage, and in particular its growing influence on the African continent.
The discussions provided an opportunity to gauge the extent of Turkish diplomacy in Africa, marked by an increasingly assertive economic, cultural, and political presence. This expansion is part of a broader geopolitical positioning strategy, making Turkey a key player at the crossroads of several major spheres of influence: the European Union, Russia, Central Asia, and Africa. This unique position gives Ankara a pivotal role in contemporary regional and international balances. It should be noted that Turkey was chosen as the destination for Leo XIV's first papal trip at the end of November, underscoring the importance of dialogue between the Holy See and this country at the crossroads of civilizations.