Mr. Djibril Yipènè Bassolé, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Cooperation of Burkina Faso, paid a visit to Turkey upon the invitation of Mr. Ahmet Davutoğlu, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey.

During the talks held on May 9, 2013 between Foreign Minister Davutoğlu and Mr. Bassolé, also serving as the Special Representative for Mali and the Sahel of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, bilateral relations as well as developments in the Sahel region mainly Mali were discussed.

Ministers following their meeting signed the memorandum of understanding on the exemption of visas for the diplomatic passports.

Speaking at the joint press conference Foreign Minister Davutoğlu said that Turkey attaches special importance to Burkina Faso within the framework of its policy of opening up to Africa. Recalling that Turkey has opened its embassy in Burkina Faso last year Foreign Minister Davutoğlu stated that it was agreed to conclude the bilateral agreements on the issues such as avoiding double taxation and promotion of investments which would pave the way for Turkish businessmen to access to Burkina Faso. Trade volume between the two countries has increased from 10 million dollars to 235 million dollars in the last three years, pointed Foreign Minister Davutoğlu.

“Burkina Faso has stood by Turkey in the international arena. I confirm once again that Turkey will always stand by Burkina Faso. We are determined to deepen our bilateral relations” said Foreign Minister Davutoğlu.