Turkish President Erdogan will visit Ethiopia and Somalia in early 2025 following a successful peace agreement negotiated by Turkiye. The agreement ends nearly a year of tensions related to the Red Sea access and emphasizes Turkey’s role in mediating disputes between the two nations. Erdogan praised the leaders’ commitment during a recent event, heralding a hopeful future for cooperation in the region.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkiye has announced his intention to visit both Ethiopia and Somalia within the first two months of 2025. This visit is a direct follow-up to Turkiye’s successful role in mediating a historic peace agreement between the two nations, which effectively resolved a prolonged conflict over maritime access to the Red Sea. Erdogan articulated that the breakthrough was achieved after an intensive seven-hour negotiation session between the parties involved.
During a recent event in Erzurum, Erdogan commended the leaders of Somalia and Ethiopia for their commitment to a significant reconciliation, crediting their cooperation for the successful signing of the agreement. The discussions aimed to address issues concerning the breakaway Somaliland region. “Thanks to their cooperation, we signed [the deal] and finished the job,” he remarked, underscoring the importance of this diplomatic achievement.
Erdogan elaborated on Turkiye’s unique position in facilitating the agreement, highlighting Ankara’s favorable relationships with both Ethiopia and Somalia, which proved instrumental when other nations failed to mediate effectively. He noted the longstanding nature of the conflict, emphasizing Ethiopia’s geographical disadvantage as a landlocked nation and its implications: “The fact that a place with such a large and gigantic land is landlocked seriously disturbs them.”
Erdogan expressed his optimism about the Ankara Declaration, stating, “This is how we announced a beautiful future to Africa, we announced it to the whole world,” and affirmed the potential for positive outcomes when intentions are sincere and collaborative.
Overall, Erdogan’s upcoming visits represent not only a continuation of diplomatic efforts but also an opportunity to solidify the recent peace agreements and foster stability within the region. The mutual cooperation displayed by the nations involved is a beacon of hope for future relations and peace in the Horn of Africa.
The recent announcement by President Erdogan regarding his upcoming visit to Ethiopia and Somalia highlights a significant diplomatic breakthrough facilitated by Turkiye. The peace agreement that Turkiye helped negotiate aims to resolve hostilities between the two states, which have been recording conflicts over issues of maritime access, largely concerning the breakaway Somaliland region. This visit serves to further engage both nations in discussions of peace and cooperation, marking Turkiye’s role as a burgeoning mediator in the region. The regional dynamics between Ethiopia, a landlocked country, and Somalia, which has maritime access, underscore the complexities that necessitate such mediation.
In conclusion, President Erdogan’s planned visits to Ethiopia and Somalia in early 2025 signify a landmark moment in diplomatic relations enforced by the mediation efforts of Turkiye. The recent peace agreement achieved through extensive negotiations reflects a commitment to resolving long-standing conflicts, particularly concerning maritime access. Erdogan’s praise for the leaders of Somalia and Ethiopia underscores the potential for fruitful cooperation in the future, bolstered by Turkiye’s involvement as a mediator.
Original Source: english.almayadeen.net
