The Black Sea has historically been a region of strategic value for Turkiye, Russia and the West. Russia’s war on Ukraine has increased its importance as the region became the center of gravity for Western-Russian rivalry.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan’s discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington last week covered a wide range of issues including defense, trade, and regional concerns.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan once stated: “Turkiye wants to walk alongside Africa as a new world order is being established.” This statement clearly reflects Ankara’s policy on Africa amid the geopolitical shifts that have implications for the continent.