Turkish President Erdoğan to Visit Ethiopia and Somalia in 2025
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan plans to visit Ethiopia and Somalia in early 2025 following successful mediation that resolved hostilities between the two nations over maritime rights. He praised the leaders of both nations for their dedication to achieving this peace agreement. Erdoğan underscored the challenges of Ethiopia’s landlocked status and expressed optimism about the future of African diplomacy.
In a significant diplomatic development, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has announced his forthcoming visit to Ethiopia and Somalia, scheduled for early 2025. This visit is a direct result of Türkiye’s successful mediation in reaching a historic peace agreement between the two nations, which has ended nearly a year of conflict primarily related to maritime access along the Red Sea. Erdoğan indicated that the mediation efforts, characterized by a protracted seven-hour meeting, have garnered fruitful outcomes amidst long-standing regional tensions.
Reflecting on the recent peace negotiations, President Erdoğan commended both the Somali President and the Ethiopian Prime Minister for their committed efforts toward reconciliation. Speaking at a youth event in Erzurum, Turkey, he noted the significance of collaboration in executing the peace deal, stating, “Thanks to their cooperation, we signed [the deal] and finished the job.” Erdoğan affirmed that the planned visit would serve to globally publicize the peace initiative and reiterate Türkiye’s role in facilitating dialogue between the conflicting parties.
In discussing the complexities of the dispute, Erdoğan detailed the geographical disparity between Ethiopia and Somalia, highlighting the challenges faced by Ethiopia, a vast landlocked nation longing for access to the sea. He articulated, “This problem between Somalia and Ethiopia has been going on for many years” and acknowledged the numerous international attempts to mediate without success, emphasizing Türkiye’s unique capabilities in this area. “Many countries have been involved in this issue until today, but they have not been able to solve this issue,” he concluded.
Erdogan’s optimism regarding the Ankara Declaration encapsulates hopes for a promising future for Africa and the proclamation that sincere intentions can lead to substantial outcomes. He stated, “This is how we announced a beautiful future to Africa, we announced it to the whole world,” stressing the importance of integrity in diplomatic relations.
The announcement of President Erdoğan’s visit to Ethiopia and Somalia follows a pivotal peace agreement brokered by Türkiye, which has effectively quenched ongoing hostilities related to maritime access. This diplomatic initiative signifies Türkiye’s growing involvement and influence in African geopolitics, particularly in resolving conflicts that have persisted for years. The visit aims to bolster relations further and showcase the progress made through Turkish mediation, potentially setting a precedent for future diplomatic efforts in the region.
In conclusion, President Erdoğan’s upcoming visit to Ethiopia and Somalia is a testament to Türkiye’s successful role in mediating peace between the two nations. The visit symbolizes renewed hope for diplomatic relations and regional stability, reflecting the dedication of all involved parties to foster reconciliation. Erdoğan’s insights on the historical context of the conflict reveal the complexities faced in these negotiations and underscore Türkiye’s influential position in facilitating dialogue in Africa.
Original Source: english.almayadeen.net
