During a press conference in Addis Ababa with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan cautioned that Israel's recognition of Somaliland, an autonomous region in northern Somalia, does not serve the interests of either the region or the wider Horn of Africa. Erdogan emphasized that it is crucial for local nations to collaboratively seek solutions to their problems rather than allowing foreign powers to exploit the region for their own interests.

In his remarks, Erdogan highlighted the growing Turkish investment in Ethiopia, noting that there are over 200 Turkish companies operating in the country with investments totaling approximately $2.5 billion. He expressed pride in the role these companies play in generating employment opportunities for around 20,000 Ethiopians, underlining Turkey's commitment to strengthening economic ties in the Horn of Africa and reducing foreign influence.

The report also mentioned the recent delivery of Turkish tanks to the Somali army and a comprehensive 10-year defense and economic framework agreement signed between Turkey and Somalia in February 2024. This agreement aims to protect Somali territorial waters, establish a naval force, and explore oil and gas reserves along the Somali coasts, further showcasing Turkey's strategic interest in the Horn of Africa amid its growing military and economic engagements in the region.