Ethiopian premier says he sought Türkiye’s support on sea access during Erdogan's visit.

​​​​​​​By Sadik Kedir Abdu​​​​​​​

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AA) – Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said Tuesday he asked Türkiye for support in Addis Ababa’s push to secure access to the sea, describing it as a central focus of talks during Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan's visit to Addis Ababa.

Abiy said at a joint news conference that he discussed Ethiopia’s “quest for sea access” with the Turkish leader and welcomed the strong and constructive discussions on the matter.

Ethiopia, which has been landlocked since Eritrea’s independence in 1993, has repeatedly described gaining reliable maritime access as a strategic priority.

Erdogan’s visit marked a rare high-level trip that included Türkiye's foreign and defense ministers, among others, and came as the two countries seek to deepen economic and political ties upon the centennial of relations that started in 1926.

The leaders discussed expanding trade relations, with Ethiopian officials saying both sides want to increase trade to at least $1 billion.

Abiy also encouraged greater investment by Turkish companies in Ethiopia, which already hosts one of the largest concentrations of Turkish businesses in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in manufacturing and construction.

The two sides also discussed cooperation in international forums, including climate negotiations linked to COP31, which will be held in Türkiye next year, then in Ethiopia.

Türkiye has increased its diplomatic engagement in the Horn of Africa in recent years, positioning itself as a key partner in trade, development and mediation efforts in regional disputes.

Abiy also described the meetings as successful and fruitful, saying Ankara recognizes Ethiopia’s strategic importance in the region