President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced plans to visit Ethiopia and Somalia in January-February 2025, following Türkiye’s successful mediation of maritime tensions between the two countries. The Ankara Declaration reaffirms both nations’ commitment to sovereignty and cooperation, showcasing Türkiye’s diplomatic influence in the region.
Istanbul – President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced on Sunday that he plans to visit Ethiopia and Somalia in January and February 2025. This visit follows the successful mediation by Türkiye, which resulted in a pivotal agreement to resolve nearly a year of maritime tensions between the two East African nations. During an event in Erzurum, Erdoğan stated that this agreement was achieved after an extensive seven-hour meeting where cooperation between the nations culminated in the signing of the landmark accord.
Erdoğan expressed his gratitude towards both nations for their joint efforts, stating, “Thanks to their cooperation, we signed (the deal) and we finished the job.” He further emphasized that following his prospective visit, the progress made would be publicly acknowledged. The visit is significant considering the previously escalating tensions after Ethiopia entered into a deal with Somaliland regarding maritime access, complicating Ethiopia’s landlocked status.
The leaders of Somalia and Ethiopia have reaffirmed their commitment to respecting each other’s sovereignty in the Ankara Declaration, which underscores the collaboration fostered by Türkiye. Erdoğan credited Ankara’s long-established relations with both nations as key to facilitating resolutions that had evaded others in the past. Highlighting historical complexities, he pointed out that Ethiopia being landlocked has created longstanding grievances, exacerbating the need for a collaborative approach to maritime issues.
Additionally, Erdoğan remarked on Türkiye’s consistent support for Somalia during critical periods, noting the investments made to assist Somalia in its struggles against terrorist threats. He asserted, “We made investments there. Along with those investments, we also took steps against terrorist organizations in Somalia.”
In his closing comments, Erdoğan expressed pride in the Ankara Declaration, indicating that it heralds a prosperous future for Africa and emphasizing the importance of sincerity and goodwill in international relations.
The upcoming visit of President Erdoğan to Ethiopia and Somalia is a significant diplomatic maneuver following a newly brokered agreement aimed at resolving longstanding maritime disputes between the two nations. The Ankara Declaration is indicative of Türkiye’s diplomatic influence in the region and highlights its ability to mediate disputes that others have found challenging to address. Ethiopia’s landlocked situation adds complexity to its regional maritime needs, making cooperation with neighboring Somalia crucial.
In conclusion, President Erdoğan’s planned visit to Ethiopia and Somalia marks a pivotal moment for diplomatic relations in East Africa, emphasizing Türkiye’s role as a mediator in regional conflicts. The Ankara Declaration highlights mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, potentially fostering future collaboration. Erdoğan’s commitment to supporting both nations illustrates Türkiye’s strategic interest and influence in East African geopolitics, heralding a hope for regional stability and prosperity.
Original Source: www.hurriyetdailynews.com
