President Erdoğan of Turkey will visit Ethiopia and Somalia in early 2025 following the signing of the Ankara Declaration. This agreement focuses on mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, while promoting economic collaboration and military support. The declaration emphasizes Ethiopia’s maritime access and underscores Turkey’s ongoing commitment to assist both nations.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is scheduled to visit Ethiopia and Somalia in early 2025, specifically in January or February, following the recent signing of the Ankara Declaration on December 11, 2024. This agreement was the result of a seven-hour negotiation session that emphasized mutual sovereignty and territorial integrity between the nations. Erdoğan expressed his gratitude for the cooperation that led to this pivotal agreement, highlighting his personal rapport with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and his commitment to supporting both nations economically and in defense matters.
The Ankara Declaration also seeks to enhance Ethiopia’s maritime access while affirming Somalia’s territorial integrity. It sets forth a timeline for technical negotiations regarding Ethiopia’s access to the sea, expected to commence in February 2025, and encourages collaboration to establish beneficial commercial arrangements. Additionally, the declaration acknowledges Ethiopia’s military contributions to stabilization efforts in Somalia and expresses gratitude for Turkey’s ongoing support for these initiatives, which have become increasingly important amid regional tensions.
The announcement of President Erdoğan’s visit occurs against a backdrop of complex geopolitical dynamics in the Horn of Africa. Earlier in 2024, relations between Ethiopia and Somalia suffered due to Ethiopia’s signing of a memorandum with Somaliland, which recognized the latter’s sovereignty and involved leasing parts of its coastline. This move drew sharp criticism from Somalia, leading to concerns regarding territorial sovereignty and heightening diplomatic tensions in the region. The Ankara Declaration aims to resolve these issues and restore cooperative relations, backed by influential global powers such as the African Union, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
In conclusion, President Erdoğan’s anticipated visit to Ethiopia and Somalia signals a renewed commitment to diplomatic relations and collaboration aimed at advancing economic and security interests. The signing of the Ankara Declaration represents a significant step towards addressing previous tensions while promoting stability and development in the region. As both nations navigate the complexities of their respective interests, the support from Turkey, underscored by previous investments and military collaborations, will play a crucial role in strengthening bilateral ties moving forward.
Original Source: addisstandard.com
