When the Cold War ended, and Ankara became increasingly engaged in efforts to diversify its foreign policy, Africa began to emerge as a potential area in which Turkish influence might be exerted.

As I write this, the focus of attention of many in Turkey, and neighboring countries, is President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who was due to make an announcement on Friday that he said would mark the “beginning of a new era” for the country.

NATO allies Turkey and Greece are at loggerheads over a range of deep-rooted issues that affect their domestic and international agendas. Conflicts in the Middle East have made things even more complicated for the two countries, so much so that other nations are stepping in as mediators.