Turkey is enhancing relations with Somalia and Ethiopia through recent agreements aimed at fostering cooperation in governance and trade. The AKP has signed a memorandum with Somalia’s governing party and plans to finalize another with Ethiopia soon. Turkey’s neutral stance enables it to mediate disputes while strengthening its influence across the Horn of Africa.
Turkey is intensifying its diplomatic relations with Somalia and Ethiopia through formal agreements aimed at strengthening strategic ties in East Africa. The ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) of Turkey recently finalized a memorandum of understanding with Somalia’s governing Union for Peace and Development Party (UPD) in Ankara, while a similar agreement is anticipated with Ethiopia’s Prosperity Party in Addis Ababa shortly. These agreements focus on facilitating research, training, and collaboration between the political parties.
The AKP, which has been in power for two decades, aims to share its governance experiences with its East African partners, enhance civil society cooperation, and promote increased bilateral trade. Turkey’s neutral stance in regional affairs, particularly between Ethiopia and Somalia, positions it as a mediator in resolving emerging tensions, especially following Ethiopia’s naval agreement with Somaliland in 2024.
Plans for the cooperation agreements were initially scheduled for the previous autumn but were deferred to ensure impartiality amid regional disputes. A significant memorandum was established in December to affirm Somalia’s territorial integrity while engaging in dialogue regarding Ethiopia’s access to the sea via Somali coastline, although relations remain delicate due to Somalia’s growing ties with Egypt.
Furthermore, Turkish officials indicate that Somalia will consistently feature in regional strategies, with Istanbul striving to foster comprehensive ties across the Horn of Africa. Leaders from AKP are expected to sign an additional memorandum with Djibouti, reflecting Ankara’s commitment to cultivating diplomatic relations in the region. Turkey has developed a robust relationship with Ethiopia, marked by the provision of military drones, while it possesses a long-standing alliance with Somalia, evident through Turkey’s military base and infrastructure projects there.
The collaborative agreements underscore Turkey’s strategic interests in the Horn of Africa, as they navigate complex relationships amid ongoing regional challenges. Such initiatives not only improve individual country ties but also reflect a broader regional engagement strategy that incorporates multiple stakeholders in East Africa.
Turkey’s engagement in East Africa, particularly with Somalia and Ethiopia, demonstrates its ambition to expand influence in a geopolitically critical region. The AKP administration views these partnerships as avenues to foster political stability, economic collaboration, and security cooperation. Historically, Turkey has maintained an active involvement in Somalia—building infrastructure, offering military support, and facilitating humanitarian aid—while its relations with Ethiopia have flourished, especially post-2021 when Turkey supplied armed drones involving defense strategies during internal conflicts.
In conclusion, Turkey’s recent political agreements with Somalia and Ethiopia signify a deliberate effort to strengthen bilateral relations and ensure its role as a mediator in regional disputes. By promoting cooperation in various sectors, Turkey not only aids its allies in governance but also enhances its own strategic position in East Africa. As Turkey continues to engage with other countries in the region, its influence is poised to grow in the face of regional complexities and challenges.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
