A release from the Turkish Ministry of Family, Labour, and Social Services, published on 6 November 2024, reported that officials from Guinea and Turkey met to discuss areas of bilateral cooperation, with Turkey expressing interest in negotiating an income tax treaty.

The Minister of Family and Social Services, Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş, stated, “In 2023, our bilateral trade volume with Guinea amounted to USD 206 million, with exports valued at USD 163 million and imports at USD 43 million.”

Speaking at the Closing Session of the 4th Term Meeting of the Turkey-Guinea Joint Economic Commission (JEC) held at the Ministry of Trade, Göktaş emphasized that Turkey continues to strengthen its relationships with African countries each year. She noted that, under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s African vision, significant steps have been taken in political, economic, diplomatic, and cultural cooperation.

Minister Göktaş, who also serves as the Turkish Co-Chair of the JEC, explained that Turkey’s human-centered, equitable, and fair approach—focused on mutual gain—has created a unique relationship with African countries, one that is sustained within a win-win framework.

She highlighted that Turkey is working to expand areas of cooperation through its embassies in 44 African countries, commercial counselors in 31 countries, and 48 business councils established by the Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK). Göktaş emphasized that commercial relations with African nations are advancing based on mutual benefit.

Expressing Turkey’s keen interest in Guinea’s political, economic, and social achievements, Göktaş continued, “We view Guinea not only as an important actor but also as a rising star and one of the leading countries in Africa. Our investments continue to strengthen the ties between our two countries. The 300 Turkish citizens residing in Guinea and the 825 Guinean nationals in Turkey serve as important pillars of the friendship bridge between our nations. While supporting the future of 693 Guinean students studying at Turkey’s esteemed universities, we are also making a strong investment in the future of our countries. Additionally, the schools and dormitories of our Turkish Maarif Foundation in Guinea’s capital, Conakry, support Guinean youth, further solidifying relations between our countries.”

“Our bilateral trade volume reached approximately USD 182 million”

Göktaş stated that trade with Guinea continues to grow, adding, “In 2023, our bilateral trade volume with Guinea was USD 206 million, with exports valued at USD 163 million and imports at USD 43 million. We are pleased to see this upward trend continue into the first nine months of 2024. Our bilateral trade volume reached approximately USD 182 million, marking an 18% increase compared to the same period in the previous year.”

Göktaş pointed out that Turkish contractors have undertaken 12 projects in Guinea, valued at USD 220 million, and noted that Conakry Port is operated by a Turkish company.

The Minister also suggested that initiating discussions for an Agreement to Avoid Double Taxation would be beneficial.

Göktaş shared that today, experts held meetings in various fields to advance economic, scientific, and technical relations, covering sectors such as trade, industry, agriculture, fisheries, and transportation. Topics related to small and medium-sized enterprises, communication, education, and higher education were also discussed. Besides these, consensus was reached on expanding cooperation, experience-sharing, and technical assistance in fields such as scientific research, culture, tourism, and health.

She noted that the Guinean delegation would sign an agreement with Turkey’s Council of Higher Education (YÖK) this evening.

“This interest is a testament to the brotherhood and friendship between our two countries”

Guinea’s JEC Co-Chair, Minister of Foreign Affairs and African Integration, Morissanda Kouyate, described Turkey as a nation that has established its history and fought for its freedom.

Expressing gratitude for the warm and brotherly reception of the delegation, Kouyate emphasized that this hospitality is a testament to the brotherhood and friendship between the two nations.

Kouyate also remarked that the Turkish government has responded positively to their requests for cooperation, noting that reciprocal investments and collaborations pave the way for a promising future for both countries.

Following the speeches, the JEC Meeting Minutes were signed between the two nations.