Addis Ababa - President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said Türkiye does not wish to see “new conflicts” erupt in the Horn of Africa, cautioning that adding “fresh pain” to populations already in distress would be unacceptable. He also warned that the Horn should not become a “theatre of rivalry” for external powers.
The remarks were delivered during a joint press briefing in Addis Abeba with Abiy Ahmed, following Erdoğan’s arrival for an official visit—his first to Ethiopia in a decade. The visit and the joint statement were broadcast live on national television, underscoring the diplomatic weight attached to the engagement.
In a prepared speech lasting about seven minutes, Erdoğan addressed the evolving political climate in the Horn of Africa, noting that global attention is increasingly focused on the region. He described Ethiopia’s long-standing state tradition and institutional continuity as “ever more essential” at a time of heightened scrutiny and uncertainty.
Emphasising Ankara’s position, Erdoğan reaffirmed Türkiye’s support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ethiopia and neighbouring states. He stressed that regional stability and cooperation should take precedence over geopolitical competition, arguing that durable peace would better serve the interests of the region’s people.
The visit signals renewed momentum in Ethiopia–Türkiye relations, with expectations of deeper cooperation across diplomatic, economic and security fronts. While specific agreements were not detailed at the briefing, officials indicated that discussions covered regional security, trade, and investment ties.
Erdoğan’s call for restraint comes amid shifting alliances and persistent tensions in the Horn, a region that has drawn sustained international attention. His message framed stability not only as a regional imperative but also as a shared responsibility among global actors engaged in Africa’s eastern corridor.
