Turkey Strengthens Strategic Relationships with Somalia and Ethiopia
Turkey’s AKP is signing agreements with Somalia and Ethiopia to strengthen cooperation and regional ties. Key initiatives include bilateral training and information exchange, aiming to leverage Turkey’s governance experience. Furthermore, Turkey’s mediation role underscores its neutrality in regional conflicts, particularly between Somalia and Ethiopia.
Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) has initiated key agreements with political parties in Ethiopia and Somalia to strengthen strategic relations. On Wednesday, AKP’s deputy chairman, Zafer Sirakaya, convened with Abdurahman Mohamed Hussein, the secretary-general of Somalia’s ruling Union for Peace and Development Party (UPD), in Ankara to formalize a memorandum of understanding aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation. Reports indicate that a similar agreement is planned with Ethiopia’s ruling Prosperity Party in Addis Ababa on Friday.
The agreements will establish frameworks for joint research, training, consultations, and information exchange between the involved parties. The AKP, which has been in power for twenty years, aspires to share its governance experience with its East African allies, promote collaboration within civil society, and boost bilateral trade. Turkey has maintained an impartial stance in the conflict between Somalia and Ethiopia, serving as a mediator in the Horn of Africa’s ongoing tensions.
These tensions escalated with Ethiopia’s naval agreement with Somaliland in 2024, prompting Turkey to delay its cooperation deal with Ethiopia to avoid perceptions of bias. In December, Somalia and Ethiopia reached a memorandum in Ankara, affirming Somalia’s territorial integrity and commencing discussions for Ethiopian access to the Somali coast for shipping.
Experts highlight Turkey’s comprehensive approach to regional diplomacy, emphasizing that Somalia’s inclusion is central to its efforts. The AKP delegation under Sirakaya is also preparing to sign a similar agreement with Djibouti next week. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has cultivated a strong relationship with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, furthered by Turkey’s military assistance, including drone sales in 2021 that significantly aided Ethiopia’s military capabilities.
Turkey’s interactions with Somalia are deeply rooted. Somalia hosts a significant Turkish military base in Mogadishu, and Turkish firms manage essential infrastructure like the port and airport. In February, amid rising tensions with Ethiopia, Somalia agreed to a defense and economic cooperation pact with Turkey, allowing for support in naval capabilities and exploration of energy resources along its coast.
Turkey’s engagement with Somalia and Ethiopia reflects its broader strategic interests in the Horn of Africa. The region’s geopolitical landscape is complicated by historical tensions, particularly between Somalia and Ethiopia. Turkey’s role as a mediator showcases its design to maintain neutrality while enhancing partnerships. With military investments in both countries, Turkey seeks to foster stability and economic growth through collaboration and support.
In summary, Turkey is reinforcing its strategic ties with Somalia and Ethiopia through formal agreements that promote cooperation and development. The AKP’s commitment to sharing governance experiences and fostering trade is evident in these initiatives. Turkey’s diplomatic posture aims to mitigate regional tensions while ensuring Somalia’s integral role in the ongoing collaboration with Ethiopia and beyond.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
