Türkiye and Ethiopia discuss Somaliland, sea access, and deeper economic cooperation
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has criticised Israel’s decision to recognise Somaliland as an independent state, saying such a move would not benefit Somalia or the wider Horn of Africa region.
Speaking alongside Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in Addis Ababa, Erdogan stressed that regional problems should be solved by countries within the Horn of Africa, not turned into an “arena of struggle” for outside powers.
The visit also highlighted the strong partnership between Türkiye and Ethiopia. Erdogan noted that more than 200 Turkish companies have invested around $2.5 billion in Ethiopia, providing jobs for about 20,000 people.
Prime Minister Abiy, meanwhile, said he asked Türkiye for support in Ethiopia’s push for access to the sea, a strategic priority since the country became landlocked after Eritrea’s independence in 1993.
Both leaders discussed expanding trade ties, aiming to raise bilateral trade volume to at least $1 billion, and strengthening cooperation in global forums, including upcoming climate negotiations linked to COP31.
SOURCE:TRT AFRICA
