Turkish, Ethiopian leaders discuss bilateral ties, regional issues on G20 sidelines

By Fatma Zehra Solmaz

ISTANBUL (AA) - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who is in Johannesburg, South Africa for the G20 summit, met Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed for talks, Türkiye's Communications Directorate said on Saturday.

According to the statement shared on Turkish social media platform Nsosyal, the meeting addressed Türkiye-Ethiopia ties, as well as regional and global issues.

"In the meeting, President Erdogan stated that Türkiye is working to advance its relations with Ethiopia in many areas, particularly trade, and expressed his belief that cooperation will reach even higher levels with the steps to be taken," the statement said.

Erdogan also underscored the importance of reinforcing the reconciliation process launched between Ethiopia and Somalia under the Ankara Declaration.

The readout added that the president stressed “further developing the ground for reconciliation” was essential, noting that Türkiye hopes the progress achieved will “set a positive example for resolving other issues in the region.”

In January 2024, landlocked Ethiopia signed a deal with Somalia’s breakaway region of Somaliland to use the Red Sea port of Berbera in exchange for diplomatic recognition.

The move enraged Somalia, which termed the deal a violation of its sovereignty.

Türkiye worked to ease tensions, with Somalia and Ethiopia agreeing on the Ankara Declaration in December to resolve their dispute.