Erdogan in Addis: Turkey deepens Ethiopia ties
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan visits Ethiopia, strengthening diplomatic and trade relations on the centennial anniversary of Turkey's embassy in Addis Ababa.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is visiting Ethiopia for the first time since 2015, marking a significant diplomatic occasion. His reception by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed at the presidential palace follows a 100-year anniversary of the Turkish Embassy in Ethiopia, highlighting a long-standing relationship that dates back to the Ottoman Empire. This visit occurs during a time when Türkiye and Ethiopia are looking to enhance bilateral ties amidst growing regional complexities.
Ethiopian media coverage of Erdoğan's visit has been largely positive, emphasizing the historical connections between the two nations, as well as the increasing trade and Türkiye's role in regional diplomacy. State broadcaster Fana views the visit as ushering in a new phase in Ethiopia-Türkiye relations, while private outlet Addis Standard connects the visit to existing regional tensions and anticipates potential agreements stemming from the discussions.
Experts observe that the growing partnership between Türkiye and Ethiopia is rooted in a shared political agenda, particularly regarding issues like the Nile River and Ethiopia's aspirations for sea access. Erdoğan’s outreach aims to bolster Türkiye's influence in the region, suggesting that the visit may also serve to further ease tensions with Somalia following the 2025 Ankara Declaration, positioning Türkiye as a key player in East African geopolitics.