Hosting a group of Turkish businessmen coming from Germany on Saturday, Kouanda praised the Turkish school in Burkina Faso. While bilateral relations generally begin among the top-level officials of two countries, Kouanda said Burkina Faso’s relations with Turkey have started from the bottom up: “Through the College Horizon International, our relations with Turkey have been enhanced through people. By this, along with the top-level officials, the people of these two countries have had the chance to learn about each other, friendships have been established, mutual visits have begun.”Burkina Faso’s College Horizon International was established by Turkish businessmen and education volunteers and has provided high-quality education for Burkinabe students since the 2003-2004 academic year. Along with the high-quality education, the Turkish high school also deserves particular attention for its successful social work and cultural activities in Ougadougou.
Saying that Burkina Faso President Blaise Compaoré was very pleased by his visit to Turkey last year, Kouanda said: “Our president praised Turkey very much. He said Turkish people are very good and İstanbul is a beautiful city, with its historical and cultural richness.”
Commenting that there are numerous possibilities for investment in the country, particularly in the agriculture sector, Kouanda said: “We expect you [Turkish businessmen] to invest in this country. We are ready to support you in every issue.” Just as education developed in this country thanks to the Turkish high school here, the official said they also expect bilateral economic relations to develop along this line. “Tell your officials not to waste their money by establishing a diplomatic mission here. The Turkish school is [creating] enough [bilateral ties] for this,” Kouanda quipped.
