Turkey Defends Relations with Ethiopia, Stays Clear from Somali-Ethiopian Disputes

Turkey has issued a resolute statement defending its strong ties with Ethiopia and clarifying its position on the recent Defense and Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement signed with Somalia. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey emphasized that Ethiopia remains an essential friend with whom Turkey maintains economic, commercial, and military cooperation.

The statement comes in response to concerns raised after the Turkish government’s agreement with Somalia contradicted the Somali government’s own announcement on the cooperation deal.

The Defense and Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement, signed on February 8th, 2024, by H.E Mr. Yaşar Güler, Minister of National Defence of Turkey, and his Somali counterpart H.E Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, aims to strengthen bilateral relations and contribute to peace and security in Somalia.

The agreement focuses on joint efforts to combat terrorism and piracy while providing military and financial support to Somalia.

Turkey explicitly stated that this agreement is unrelated to the recent disputes between Somalia and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

In a press release, the Turkish government affirmed Ethiopia’s significance as a valuable economic, trade, and military partner in Africa. Turkey expressed its commitment to maintaining and nurturing the longstanding relations with Ethiopia, reiterating that the cooperation with Somalia does not affect these ties.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government of Somalia cabinet ministers on Wednesday approved a defense and economic agreement between Somalia and Turkey during an extraordinary meeting chaired by Prime Minister Hamse Abdi Barre.

The agreement, reportedly signed for a duration of 10 years, will see Turkey deploy its Naval Forces in Somalia waters for defense purposes, a major step in enhancing Somalia’s maritime security and combating emerging threats in the region. According to the cabinet ministers.

Prime Minister of Somalia, Hamse Abdi Barre, hailed the agreement, emphasizing its importance in securing Somalia’s maritime borders from “any external threat.” Additionally, Turkey will play a crucial role in the reestablishment of the Somali naval forces through training initiatives.