Namibia–Turkey relations
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Namibia–Turkey relations are the bilateral relations between Namibia and Turkey. Turkey has an embassy in Windhoek since January 4, 2012.[1]
Diplomatic relations
Namibia's struggle for independence from South Africa led to extensive Turkish diplomatic efforts as the co-sponsor[1] from the Western Contact Group and founding member of the UN Council for Namibia, that called for Namibian independence.
Namibia — or known as South West Africa before independence — was the last African colony.[2] South West Africa had been a German colony that was granted to South Africa under a League of Nations mandate in 1920, following Germany’s defeat in World War I.[2] The mandate forbade South Africa from annexing South West Africa but South Africa continued its rule even after UN General Assembly voted[3] to revoke the League of Nations mandate on August 26, 1966.[2]
Turkey continued to advocate on behalf of Namibia's independence but many countries baulked[3] at supporting the country's movement under Sam Nujoma that allied with the Soviet Union and started sending young men to the Soviet Union for training in preparation for guerrilla warfare.[2] Guerrilla warfare began 1966 but was marginal until Communist-led MPLA took over Angola in 1975.[4] Nevertheless, South Africa succeeded in driving off the guerillas.[4]
The diplomatic breakthrough came with the election[5] of Jimmy Carter, who came to support[6] the Western Contact Group and worked to negotiate peace in Namibia.[6] In 1978, South Africa and Western Contact Group created a plan for holding elections that would lead to Namibian independence in 1990.[citation needed]
Economic relations
Trade volume between the two countries was 11.8 million USD in 2018 (Turkish exports/imports: 9.40/2.44 million USD).[1]
Postage stamps
On August 26, 1975, Turkey issued a stamp titled "Namibia Day".[7]
Resident diplomatic missions
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