Turkish Foreign Minister will visit Ethiopia
Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan hosted Taye Atske Selassie, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, and Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Somalia, 1 July 2024, Ankara. (Photo via Turkish Foreign Ministry)
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is set to visit Ethiopia tomorrow for pivotal meetings with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Foreign Minister Taye Atske Selassie.
According to Turkish Foreign Ministry’s statement, Fidan’s visit will focus on bilateral relations, the reconciliation process in Somalia, and regional issues.
Ethiopia-Somalia tensions and Türkiye’s mediation role
Ethiopia, the most populous landlocked country in Africa, lost its Red Sea access following Eritrea’s independence in 1993. The ongoing economic necessity for Red Sea access remains a core issue for Ethiopia.
The recent Memorandum of Understanding signed between Ethiopia and Somaliland on January 1 has sparked international concern, particularly with Somaliland’s leader indicating Ethiopia could be the first to recognize Somaliland.
Diplomatic sources recall Ethiopia’s request for Türkiye’s support in resolving its conflict with Somalia during meetings with Ethiopian officials and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on May 8. Following Erdogan’s directive, Türkiye initiated mediation efforts, with Fidan hosting Ethiopian and Somali counterparts in Ankara on July 1.
The meeting culminated in a joint declaration to resolve disputes peacefully, with another session scheduled for September 2 in Ankara.
Türkiye-Ethiopia relations
Türkiye’s diplomatic relations with Ethiopia date back to its pre-republic era, highlighting the nation’s significant role in Türkiye’s Africa Partnership Policy. The Turkish Embassy in Addis Ababa was established in 1926, followed by the Ethiopian Embassy in Ankara in 1933. Despite the interruption caused by regime changes in Ethiopia, the Ethiopian Embassy reopened in 2006.
The Türkiye-Ethiopia relationship has flourished on a foundation of mutual respect and regular high-level visits. Trade volume between the two countries has seen a significant rise from approximately $27 million in 2000 to around $345 million in 2023, with a goal to reach $1 billion within the next five years.
Türkiye ranks among the top four countries in direct foreign investments in Ethiopia. Interest from Turkish firms continues to grow, evidenced by robust participation in the Türkiye-Ethiopia Business Forum held in Istanbul on May 27, 2024. The event, organized by the Independent Industrialists’ and Businessmen’s Association (MUSIAD), saw attendance from 70 Ethiopian and 250 Turkish companies.
