Erdogan makes historic Ethiopia visit after decade-long absence

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is set to visit Ethiopia on Tuesday, his first trip to the country in over a decade, at a pivotal moment as both nations commemorate 100 years since the establishment of formal diplomatic relations. The visit, at the invitation of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, underscores Ankara's growing engagement in the strategically vital Horn of Africa region and its ambition to expand economic and security partnerships across the continent.

Media Hails Strategic Partnership

Ethiopian media outlets have extensively covered the visit, portraying it as a significant step in bilateral relations. State-run Fana Broadcasting Corporation described Erdogan as "the architect of the new Türkiye," while private outlets like Addis Standard linked the visit to Türkiye's diplomatic mediation in regional tensions. Pulse of Africa, a pan-African platform, highlighted Ankara's expanding presence in the Red Sea and Horn of Africa, with trade, infrastructure, and security cooperation topping the agenda.

Officials and Analysts Emphasize Deep-Rooted Ties

Speaking at events marking the centennial, Türkiye's Ambassador to Ethiopia Berk Baran stated that Erdogan's visit represents "the elevation of already strong ties" and noted that "Türkiye and Ethiopia already enjoy a strategic relationship in various aspects." Analysts point to mutual understanding as the bedrock of the partnership, with Ethiopian researcher Ibrahim Mulushewa observing that Türkiye comprehends Ethiopia's positions on sensitive matters like the Nile dispute and its quest for sea access, which enabled Ankara to successfully mediate the historic Ethiopia-Somalia agreement.

People-to-People Diplomacy as the Foundation

Beyond political engagement, scholars emphasize the role of cultural and social connections in sustaining bilateral relations. Independent researcher Emre Yasin Kekec noted that "the real bridge is people-to-people relations," while Addis Ababa University lecturer Abdulaziz Dino highlighted the positive portrayal of Türkiye through Turkish TV shows and Ethiopian students returning from study in Ankara. He argued that "traditional diplomacy would have much less impact unless it is supported by media, cultural and social capital," pointing to the multi-layered nature of the enduring partnership.

Agenda and Expected Outcomes

The presidential visit is expected to result in the signing of several cooperation agreements already finalized at the official level, covering economic collaboration, infrastructure projects, and security coordination. As two nations with histories dating back to the 16th century prepare to elevate their century-old formal ties, Erdogan's trip symbolizes both a celebration of historical connections and a strategic push to deepen engagement in one of Africa's most geopolitically significant regions.