Turkey is strengthening ties with Somalia and Ethiopia through new political agreements, focusing on bilateral cooperation to share governance experience and enhance trade. AKP Deputy Chairman Zafer Sirakaya has already signed a memorandum with Somalia’s ruling party, with a similar agreement forthcoming with Ethiopia. Turkey seeks to mediate tensions in the Horn of Africa while maintaining relationships with both nations.
Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) has initiated two significant agreements with political parties in Ethiopia and Somalia, aiming to enhance strategic relations with both nations. On Wednesday, AKP Deputy Chairman Zafer Sirakaya signed a memorandum of understanding with Abdurahman Mohamed Hussein, the Secretary-General of Somalia’s ruling Union for Peace and Development Party in Ankara. A similar arrangement is set to be finalized with Ethiopia’s ruling Prosperity Party in Addis Ababa on Friday, facilitating joint initiatives such as research and consultations.
The AKP, in power for two decades, aims to share its governance experience, enrich civil society engagement, and promote trade between Turkey, Somalia, and Ethiopia. Turkey has maintained a neutral stance in the escalating tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia and has played a mediatory role in the Horn of Africa. These tensions intensified after Ethiopia’s 2024 naval accord with the breakaway Republic of Somaliland.
Turkey had originally planned to sign the cooperation deal with Ethiopia last year but postponed it to maintain neutrality. In December, Somalia and Ethiopia reached an agreement in Ankara affirming Somalia’s territorial integrity while discussing Ethiopia’s access to the sea through Somalia. Despite this development, relations remain fragile due to ongoing conflicts involving Somalia’s growing ties with Egypt over Nile water rights.
Experts highlight the importance of Somalia in Turkey’s regional strategies, emphasizing Turkey’s comprehensive approach to the Horn of Africa. The delegation led by Sirakaya is also slated to sign a memorandum of understanding with Djibouti next week. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan maintains favorable relations with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, bolstered by Turkey’s provision of armed drones to Ethiopia in 2021.
Turkey’s longstanding relationship with Somalia involves significant military and economic cooperation, evidenced by the presence of a substantial Turkish military base in Mogadishu. Turkish companies have also invested in major infrastructure projects within Somalia, including its port and airport. Amidst tensions with Ethiopia, Somalia and Turkey signed a defense and economic cooperation agreement in February, allowing Turkey to enhance Somalia’s naval capabilities and explore energy resources along the Somali coast.
The heightened cooperative efforts between Turkey, Somalia, and Ethiopia emerge within a complex geopolitical environment marked by longstanding tensions in the Horn of Africa. Turkey’s role as a mediator and its strategic partnerships aim to balance interests among regional players while addressing disputes primarily revolving around territorial integrity and resource access. The evolving relationships are also pivotal in light of Turkey’s ambitions in the East African region.
Turkey’s deepening relationships with Somalia and Ethiopia signify a strategic approach to enhance diplomatic and economic ties amidst regional complexities. While fostering mutual cooperation, Turkey aims to maintain a neutral role in the ongoing disputes between the two nations. This initiative not only underscores Turkey’s influence in East Africa but also highlights its commitment to regional stability and partnership development.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
