Ankara:A Burkinabe delegation led by Hermann Yirigouin To, Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, engaged in consultations with several Turkish state institutions in Ankara on October 20 and 21, 2026. These discussions took place alongside the inaugural session of political consultations between Burkina Faso and Turkey, aiming to bolster bilateral cooperation in the sectors of education, health, and the economy.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the delegation's meetings included discussions with officials from the Maarif Foundation, the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), the Council for Higher Education, the Turkish Ministry of Health, the Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK), and the Ministry of National Education. The Maarif Foundation, which manages schools, discussed expanding its activities in Burkina Faso. Ambassador Yirigouin To highlighted a new agreement with the foundation and the awarding of scholarships to Burkinabe students, with requests for increased scholarships and support for vocational training being positively received.
At TIKA, Vice President Dr. Yahya Coskun expressed readiness to revisit the emergency medicine development project in Burkina Faso and committed to supporting vocational and technical training initiatives. The Burkinabe delegation also anticipated the opening of a TIKA office in Ouagadougou.
University cooperation was emphasized at the Higher Education Council, with both parties agreeing to renew a lapsed memorandum of understanding to enhance academic collaboration. The Council indicated plans to increase scholarships for Burkinabe students, while Burkina Faso is to submit a list of priorities to guide future agreements.
In the health sector, Turkey's Deputy Minister of Health, Professor Nurullah Okumus, confirmed ongoing support for organ transplantation efforts in Burkina Faso, including training initiatives. The discussions also covered potential agreements between Turkish hospitals and Burkina Faso's Ministry of Health, as well as interest in the Kokologho pharmaceutical technology park.
Economically, discussions with DEIK led to a proposal for a business forum in Burkina Faso. Turkish exports to Burkina Faso have risen significantly, and Ambassador Yirigouin To advocated for sustainable partnerships in key industries. DEIK's West Africa representative, Vahit Oguz Cetin, emphasized the need for improved banking transactions and a double taxation avoidance agreement.
Finally, at the Ministry of National Education, potential cooperation in teacher training, vocational education, and school program development was explored, including the idea of school twinning to foster cultural exchanges. The Burkinabe delegation also visited Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's mausoleum, honoring the founder of the Republic of Turkey.