Turkish President Erdogan’s Planned Visit to Ethiopia and Somalia in 2025

Turkish President Erdogan plans to visit Ethiopia and Somalia in early 2025 after successfully mediating a peace agreement between the two nations. He praised the leaders of Somalia and Ethiopia for their collaborative efforts that ended nearly a year of hostilities. Erdogan emphasized Turkiye’s strong diplomatic ties and the importance of goodwill in achieving reconciliation within the region.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has announced his intention to visit Ethiopia and Somalia in early 2025. This visit follows Turkiye’s successful mediation in achieving a significant peace agreement that successfully concluded nearly a year of tensions between the two African countries over maritime access to the Red Sea. Erdogan, speaking on December 10, stated that the mediation discussions lasted for seven hours and were instrumental in achieving this diplomatic breakthrough.

In praise of the achievements made, Erdogan commended both the Somali President and the Ethiopian Prime Minister for their dedicated efforts during the Ankara-mediated peace talks. He stated, “Thanks to their cooperation, we signed [the deal] and finished the job,” indicating the importance of their collaborative efforts that led to the reconciliation. Furthermore, Erdogan revealed his plans to formally announce this diplomatic step to the world during his upcoming visit, which is expected to occur within the first two months of next year. He emphasized the pivotal role that Turkiye’s strong relations with both nations played in facilitating this resolution, noting how previous attempts by other nations had not achieved similar progress.

Erdogan pointed out the long-standing issues faced by Ethiopia, which is landlocked despite its vast geographic size, asserting that this geographical disadvantage historically put the nation at a disadvantage in maritime matters. The Turkish President remarked on the significance of the Ankara Declaration, highlighting it as a beacon of hope for a brighter future for Africa. He concluded by affirming the power of sincerity and goodwill in international relations, stating, “When we are sincere when our intentions are good, everything can happen.”

In recent years, the Horn of Africa has been marked by various conflicts, with Ethiopia and Somalia being prominent among the nations experiencing tension, particularly over territorial disputes and maritime access. The situation intensified due to factors such as the breakaway Somaliland region and the vital economic interests tied to sea trade routes. Turkiye has actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to mediate the conflicts in the region, demonstrating its commitment to peace and cooperation among African nations. The Ankara Declaration serves as a testament to these efforts, showcasing Turkiye’s role in fostering collective stability in the region.

In conclusion, President Erdogan’s upcoming visit to Ethiopia and Somalia signifies a pivotal moment in the diplomatic relations between Turkiye and both nations. The successful resolution of longstanding disputes through negotiation and cooperation highlights the potential for constructive engagement in international affairs. As Erdogan aptly noted, sincere intentions and collaborative efforts can pave the way for achieving peace and stability, not only within the region but also across Africa as a whole.

Original Source: english.almayadeen.net