I presented my letters of credence to His Excellency Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa, on 27 March 2025, and fully assumed my duties as the residentAmbassador of Türkiye to South Africa. From Pretoria, I will be concurrently accredited to Eswatini and Lesotho.

Representing the Government and People of Türkiye in Africa is an honourable task and profound responsibility. During my tenure, I will strive to take Türkiye’s relations with all three countries to new heights, on the basis of common priorities, mutual respect and understanding. My key priorities will be strengthening political dialogue, promoting trade, investments and innovation, and deepening people-to-people connections.

Türkiye and South Africa are dynamic economies located at strategic crossroads. From renewable energy to infrastructure, from manufacturing to defense industries, and from tourism to digital technologies our economies are complementary in many areas. I intend to work very closely withour business communities to cultivate stronger economic ties between the two countries. I will continue to support activities of the Türkiye-South Africa Business Council and facilitate further interaction among the private sector.

Türkiye’s soft power institutions play a significant role in strengthening our bilateral ties. Field presence of the Yunus Emre Institute, Turkish Maarif Foundation, Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency, and the Türkiye Scholarships program reflects our commitment to education, culture, development cooperation and humanitarian outreach.

Türkiye and South Africa are active players on the global stage. Both countries are members of the G20 and share similar views on the need for a more inclusive and equitable international order. Beyond bilateral cooperation, there is strong potential to strengthen our coordination in international fora. By aligning efforts, we can contribute meaningfully to shaping global economic governance, sustainable development, and peace initiatives.

Turkish citizens living in South Africa serve as bridges of friendship between our countries. Our nation has faced extraordinary challenges, including threats from groups that sought to undermine our democracy and national unity. The treacherous coup attempt of 15 July 2016 by the terrorist FETÖ organization is still fresh in our minds as a moment of deep sorrow and reflection.

I invite our compatriots living in South Africa, those that are devoted to their homeland and that uphold principles and values of the Republic of Türkiye, toembrace their differences and represent their country in one voice, accepting diversity as richness, following the example of our host nation.

The doors of our Embassy and the Turkish Consulate General in Cape Town are always open to serve Turkish nationals and others in need of our services and assistance.

I count on the support of my South African counterparts and friends in undertaking my duties.

K. Nilvana Darama Yıldırımgeç