World Bulletin / News Desk

Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has asked the ambassadors of African countries to support Turkey in its bid for a new term in the United Nations (UN) Security Council, as it is seeking a non-permanent seat in 2015-16.

Davutoglu met with the ambassadors of 27 African countries to Turkey on Wednesday.

Turkey served on the UN Security Council in 2009-10 and became the voice of Africa, he said.

The minister expressed optimism toward the African continent by saying, "Turkey strongly believes in the future of Africa."

Turkey has increased the number of its missions in Africa to 35, he reminded.

"Our goal is to represent Turkey in every single African country, and increase the trade volume with Africa to $100 billion," he added.

Noting Turkey will host the 2nd Turkey-Africa Summit in the first half of 2014, he added that Turkey has improved relations with all African countries and organizations.