Turkey is strengthening its strategic ties with Somalia and Ethiopia through political agreements. AKP officials signed a memorandum with Somalia and will do the same with Ethiopia, which will enhance cooperation in research, training, and consultations. Turkey maintains neutrality in regional tensions and aims to foster trade and civil society collaboration.
Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) is enhancing its strategic partnerships with Somalia and Ethiopia through two significant political agreements. On Wednesday, AKP Deputy Chairman Zafer Sirakaya met with Abdurahman Mohamed Hussein, the secretary-general of Somalia’s Union for Peace and Development Party, to formalize a memorandum aimed at fostering bilateral cooperation. A similar agreement is expected to be finalized with Ethiopia’s ruling Prosperity Party this Friday in Addis Ababa, as part of Turkey’s initiative to strengthen ties with both nations.
Official sources indicate that these agreements will promote joint research, training, consultations, and the sharing of information among the political entities involved. The AKP, which has been in power for two decades, endeavors to impart its governance experience to its East African allies, while simultaneously encouraging civil societal interactions and enhancing trade relations.
Turkey is maintaining a neutral stance in the ongoing tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia, acting as a mediator in conflict resolution efforts within the Horn of Africa. These tensions have been intensified by Ethiopia’s naval agreement with Somaliland in 2024. Turkey initially aimed to conclude the deal with Ethiopia last autumn but postponed it to avoid any semblance of bias in ongoing disputes.
In December, a significant memorandum was signed in Ankara between Somalia and Ethiopia, concluding intense negotiations that affirmed Somalia’s territorial integrity while discussing Ethiopia’s access to the sea via the Somali coastline. Although this agreement addressed a central grievance between the nations, underlying strains persist.
Tunc Demirtas, a regional expert at the Ankara-based think tank Seta, commented, “What stands out here is that [Ankara] does not take any step in the region without considering Somalia. Somalia is included in every process.” This underscores Turkey’s regional approach and commitment to fostering relationships with neighboring countries.
Additionally, the AKP delegation, led by Sirakaya, is anticipated to sign a comparable memorandum with Djibouti next week. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s rapport with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has strengthened recently, enhanced by Turkey’s provision of armed drones to Ethiopia, which significantly bolstered their military capabilities during conflict situations.
Turkey’s engagement with Somalia is characterized by a long-standing and comprehensive partnership. Somalia hosts a major Turkish military base in Mogadishu, and Turkish enterprises are involved in the management of crucial infrastructures such as the port and airport. Recently, amid ongoing tensions with Ethiopia, Somalia formalized a defense and economic cooperation agreement with Turkey, empowering Ankara to bolster the Somali Navy.
Turkey’s recent agreements with Somalia and Ethiopia reflect its aspiration to deepen political and strategic relations in the Horn of Africa, an area marked by diplomatic complexities and evolving alliances. The ties established through these agreements are not merely diplomatic but encompass economic, military, and infrastructural dimensions as Turkey seeks to extend its influence in the region. The background of these developments involves long-standing tensions in East Africa, particularly between Ethiopia and Somalia, complicated by external influences and regional power dynamics. Turkey’s mediatory role is indicative of its broader foreign policy strategy aimed at enhancing stability and collaboration in Africa while also securing its economic and geopolitical interests.
In conclusion, Turkey is actively strengthening its relations with Ethiopia and Somalia through strategic political agreements aimed at enhancing cooperation and trade. As it maintains neutrality in regional disputes and mediates tensions, Turkey’s involvement underscores its commitment to fostering stability in the Horn of Africa. The anticipated agreements with Djibouti further illustrate Turkey’s proactive diplomatic engagement in the region. Overall, these developments highlight Turkey’s ambitions to expand its influence and collaborative efforts in East Africa.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net