Turkish President Erdoğan announced plans to visit Ethiopia and Somalia in early 2025, following the Ankara Declaration aimed at enhancing cooperation. The agreement emphasizes mutual respect for sovereignty, economic collaboration, and military support amidst previously strained relations due to Ethiopia’s negotiations with Somaliland.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has announced his intention to visit Ethiopia and Somalia in January or February 2025. This plan follows the signing of the Ankara Declaration, established on December 11, 2024. The declaration aims to enhance cooperation between the two nations and underscores a mutual commitment to sovereignty and territorial integrity. Erdoğan emphasized the significance of this agreement, which acknowledges Ethiopia’s need for access to the sea and Somalia’s territorial rights. The Turkish president expressed his confidence in further strengthening bilateral relations through ongoing investments and military collaborations, highlighting Türkiye’s historical support in both nations.
The Ankara Declaration consists of various mutually beneficial arrangements, paving the way for discussions about Ethiopia’s access to maritime resources starting in February 2025. This agreement also recognizes Ethiopia’s military support in Somalia and acknowledges previous tensions stemming from Ethiopia’s dealings with Somaliland regarding coastal territory. The declaration has garnered positive responses from international bodies such as the African Union, the United States, and the United Kingdom, further underlying its importance for regional stability and cooperation.
Erdoğan noted his strong rapport with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, suggesting that this personal connection has played a critical role in advancing discussions between Türkiye, Ethiopia, and Somalia. The declaration is expected to conclude discussions on commercial arrangements under the sovereignty of Somalia while promoting mutual respect and cooperation.
The announcement of Erdoğan’s planned visit is significant within the context of previous diplomatic interactions between Ethiopia, Somalia, and Türkiye. The Ankara Declaration emerged after a prolonged agreement process and is an attempt to mend relations that had soured, particularly after Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland, which was perceived as infringing on Somalia’s territorial sovereignty. The broader geopolitical implications highlight Türkiye’s growing role in the Horn of Africa and its commitment to fostering stability and economic development in the region.
In summary, President Erdoğan’s forthcoming visit to Ethiopia and Somalia aims to solidify the Ankara Declaration, enhancing cooperation and addressing underlying geopolitical tensions. The declaration serves not only to affirm territorial integrity but also to facilitate economic and defensive support. As international bodies endorse this initiative, the agreement signifies a hopeful pathway towards improved regional relations and stability in the Horn of Africa.
Original Source: addisstandard.com
