Mehmet Poroy, Turkey’s Ambassador to Nigeria, has reaffirmed his country’s commitment to deepening economic and cultural ties with Nigeria, highlighting ongoing efforts to boost bilateral trade and expand people-to-people connections.
Speaking during a diplomatic dinner in Abuja to mark Turkish Cuisine Week, the envoy also spotlighted Turkey’s rich culinary heritage, describing it as a powerful symbol of the nation’s history, diversity, and hospitality.
“The Turkish table tells the story of millennia of human movement and exchange.
“Every dish is a tapestry woven from the contributions of diverse peoples who have passed through Anatolia—Greeks, Persians, Arabs, Romans, and Ottomans, each leaving a culinary footprint”, Poroy said.
This year’s theme centres on Turkey’s Classic Dishes, a core part of the country’s culinary identity known for being healthy, traditional, and waste-conscious.
The ambassador noted that the goal of the celebration is not just to exhibit food, but to build intercultural bridges through flavours that embody Turkish hospitality and openness.
“Turkish cuisine is not just about recipes, it’s about bringing people together. Our food culture fosters connection and understanding. It’s an experience, not just a meal,” he added.
The event in Abuja, held at the ambassador’s residence, featured an array of traditional Turkish dishes served in a setting that reflected the famous warmth of Turkish hospitality.
As guests sampled dishes rich with natural flavours and prepared using time-honoured methods, Poroy emphasised the cultural significance of Turkish food.
He explained how local cuisines from Turkey’s 81 provinces contribute to a vibrant national palette, with each region offering unique tastes and preparation styles rooted in family traditions and seasonal abundance.
Beyond cuisine, the ambassador also touched on the growing bilateral ties between Turkey and Nigeria.
He revealed that both countries are working towards boosting their current trade volume, with a targeted expansion to $5 billion.
He noted that the increasing number of weekly flights, currently about 16 between Nigeria and Turkey, underscores the need for stronger commercial and people-to-people exchanges.
“Part of the effort includes plans to open more Turkish visa centres beyond Abuja and Lagos to improve access for Nigerian travellers and businesspeople.
“We’re deepening our ties not just in trade, but in culture and people-to-people connections. Expanding visa access is a practical step toward that goal,” he said.
