Erdogan to Undertake Diplomatic Visit to Ethiopia and Somalia in Early 2025

Turkish President Erdoğan will visit Ethiopia and Somalia in early 2025 after signing the Ankara Declaration on December 11, 2024. The agreement focuses on mutual respect for sovereignty and addresses Ethiopia’s sea access needs while emphasizing military cooperation and regional stability. The initiative aims to mend strained relations and has garnered support from international entities, signifying potential for enhanced collaboration in the region.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has announced his forthcoming visit to Ethiopia and Somalia, scheduled for January or February 2025. This announcement follows the signing of the Ankara Declaration between Turkey, Ethiopia, and Somalia on December 11, 2024. The discussions that led to this agreement involved a substantial meeting, lasting seven hours, which Erdoğan deemed productive for enhancing cooperation and goodwill among the nations involved.

The Ankara Declaration reaffirms the principles of sovereignty, unity, independence, and territorial integrity among the involved countries. Additionally, it acknowledges Ethiopia’s need for secure sea access and emphasizes respect for Somalia’s territorial integrity, marking a significant collaborative effort to clear up past misunderstandings. Türkiye’s ongoing support for both countries, particularly in addressing challenges such as terrorism in Somalia, was also underscored by Erdoğan.

Plans for technical negotiations regarding Ethiopia’s sea access will commence in February 2025 and are expected to be finalized within four months. This agreement is instrumental in fostering significant economic and military collaboration, as it also recognizes the contributions of Ethiopian soldiers in Somalia’s stability efforts. The Ankara Declaration has been positively received by the African Union, the United States, and the United Kingdom, indicating a broader international support for renewed cooperation in the region.

This diplomatic engagement comes after a period of strained relations caused by Ethiopia’s earlier signing of an agreement with Somaliland regarding territorial matters, which was viewed negatively by Mogadishu. The renewed partnership aims to mend relations and ensure mutual benefits as Ethiopia and Somalia move forward together, assisted by Turkey’s commitment and investment in the region.

The recent announcement by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan regarding his visit to Ethiopia and Somalia in early 2025 marks a new chapter in the diplomatic relations among these nations. The backdrop of this visit involves the Ankara Declaration, a significant agreement aimed at rebuilding trust and cooperation following previous tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia. The tensions stemmed from Ethiopia’s attempt to enhance relations with Somaliland, potentially leading to territorial disputes. Thus, Erdoğan’s upcoming visit is a strategic attempt to stabilize relationships through enhanced dialogue and collaboration in various sectors, including economic and military support.

In conclusion, President Erdoğan’s planned visit to Ethiopia and Somalia highlights a critical juncture in the diplomatic landscape of East Africa. The Ankara Declaration symbolizes a renewed commitment to cooperation and respect for each country’s sovereignty, paving the way for future economic and defense collaborations. The broad international endorsement of this agreement reflects its potential impact on regional stability and cooperation.

Original Source: addisstandard.com