Turkish Ambassador Bids Farewell, Reaffirms Burundi Ties

Mme Ndayishimiye a également indiqué que M. Alp Isikli s’était engagé à continuer, une fois de retour en Türkiye, à parler positivement du Burundi et à mettre en avant les bonnes relations qui existent entre les deux pays
(Photo : Etienne Nduwimana)
Photo: Etienne Nduwimana via Lerenouveau

Angeline Ndayishimiye, the First Lady of the Republic of Burundi, recently received Alp Isikli, the Ambassador of Türkiye to Burundi, in an audience. Ambassador Isikli, who is concluding his diplomatic mission, reaffirmed Türkiye's commitment to ongoing collaborative initiatives between the two nations. He reassured the First Lady regarding the continuation of jointly undertaken projects, emphasizing the enduring partnership between Türkiye and Burundi. The Ambassador's visit marked the end of his diplomatic tenure, during which he played a key role in fostering relations between the two countries.

Continued Collaboration Pledged

Ambassador Isikli's visit aimed to reaffirm the commitment of the First Lady of Türkiye to projects implemented by the Bonne Action Umugiraneza foundation. These initiatives are conducted in collaboration with Angeline Ndayishimiye, the Burundian First Lady. The ongoing projects specifically target critical areas such as health and education. Both nations anticipate the continued implementation of these initiatives, which include various health programs and scholarship opportunities. The Ambassador's assurance shows a commitment to sustained cooperation between the two countries, particularly through the collaborative efforts of their respective First Ladies' foundations. The partnership is expected to maintain its focus on these key developmental sectors, reflecting a shared vision for progress and well-being. This collaboration notes the personal engagement of both First Ladies in driving impactful change within their communities. The commitment extends to ensuring that key initiatives, especially those centered on public health and educational advancement, receive continuous support and resources.

Ambassador's Role and Future

The meeting between Ambassador Alp Isikli and First Lady Angeline Ndayishimiye occurred on Monday, September 7, 2026, at Ntare Rushatsi house. During his farewell visit, Ambassador Isikli committed to speaking positively about Burundi and noting the strong relations between Türkiye and Burundi upon his return to his home country. The Burundian First Lady, Angeline Ndayishimiye, asked Ambassador Isikli to serve as a strong representative for Burundi by sharing his experiences there. She urged him to testify about the positive developments and the cooperative spirit he witnessed during his tenure. This request emphasizes the value placed on his firsthand account of Burundi's progress and the strength of its diplomatic ties with Türkiye. Ambassador Isikli's four-year diplomatic mandate has been characterized by consistent efforts to strengthen bilateral relations across various sectors. His departure marks the conclusion of a significant chapter in the diplomatic relationship between the two nations, but also opens avenues for continued advocacy based on his positive experiences.

First Lady's Perspective

Ambassador Alp Isikli visited First Lady Angeline Ndayishimiye to formally bid farewell at the conclusion of his four-year diplomatic mandate. During the meeting, Ambassador Isikli conveyed the commitment of the First Lady of the Republic of Türkiye to continue close collaboration and maintain excellent relations with her Burundian counterpart. This assurance shows the enduring partnership between the two nations, particularly through the collaborative efforts of their respective First Ladies. The diplomatic engagement noted the continued focus on strengthening bilateral ties as Ambassador Isikli concludes his tenure. The First Lady of Türkiye's willingness to maintain excellent relations and close collaboration with her Burundian counterpart further solidifies the foundation of their joint initiatives. This high-level commitment ensures that the momentum generated during Ambassador Isikli's mission will be sustained, fostering a continuous exchange of ideas and resources for mutual benefit. The farewell meeting served not only as a formal departure but also as a reaffirmation of the deep and multifaceted relationship cultivated during his time in Burundi.