Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced plans to visit Ethiopia and Somalia in early 2025, following the Ankara Declaration. This agreement, signed on December 11, 2024, aims to reinforce respect for sovereignty and enhance cooperation. It includes discussions on Ethiopia’s sea access and acknowledges Ethiopia’s military contributions to Somalia. The declaration is a response to earlier tensions and is welcomed by international organizations, aiming to foster stability in the Horn of Africa.
In January or February 2025, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is set to embark on a visit to Ethiopia and Somalia, following the recent conclusion of the Ankara Declaration on December 11, 2024. In a statement made in Erzurum, Turkey, Erdoğan emphasized the significance of the agreement, which was finalized after an extensive seven-hour meeting with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. The declaration underscores mutual respect for each nation’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and contains provisions for technical discussions regarding Ethiopia’s access to the sea, which are to commence by February 2025.
The Ankara Declaration is pivotal in rekindling relations between Ethiopia and Somalia, which have been strained due to previous agreements involving territorial claims, particularly Ethiopia’s memorandum of understanding with Somaliland. This announcement was welcomed by international entities such as the African Union, United States, and the United Kingdom, highlighting the importance of fostering stability and cooperation in the Horn of Africa. Notably, Erdoğan articulated a vision of strengthened ties, reaffirming Türkiye’s commitment to supporting both nations economically and militarily, and recognizing Ethiopia’s contributions to Somali security efforts.
Erdoğan’s forthcoming visit is framed not only as a diplomatic engagement but also as an opportunity to solidify the undertakings of the Ankara Declaration, which seeks to leave behind past disagreements. The Turkish President expressed confidence in the collaborative path ahead, citing his ‘special rapport’ with Prime Minister Abiy as essential to the recent developments. The declaration aims to foster technical negotiations and commercial cooperation, thus providing a renewed foundation for bilateral relations between Ethiopia and Somalia.
The Ankara Declaration emerges from a complex backdrop of historical tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia, primarily influenced by territorial disputes and differing political agendas. In earlier 2024, relations soured following Ethiopia’s MoU with Somaliland, leading to accusations from Somalia of territorial infringement. The signed declaration symbolizes a diplomatic effort to reconcile these differences, ensuring both nations respect each other’s sovereignty while exploring avenues for collaboration that could benefit the region. With the involvement of international stakeholders, the agreement aims to stabilize the strategic Horn of Africa area, addressing critical issues such as maritime access and economic investments.
In conclusion, President Erdoğan’s upcoming visit to Ethiopia and Somalia marks a significant step toward mending the diplomatic relations between the two nations. The Ankara Declaration represents a commitment to mutual respect and cooperation, seeking to address contentious issues while promoting economic and defense collaborations. With widespread international support, this initiative is poised to foster stability and development in the region, highlighting Türkiye’s pivotal role in facilitating dialogue and investments.
Original Source: addisstandard.com
