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Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said Tuesday that he asked Türkiye for diplomatic support as Ethiopia works to secure access to the sea, calling it a key topic during Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan’s visit to Addis Ababa. At a joint news conference, Abiy said he discussed Ethiopia’s “quest for sea access” with Erdogan and praised the discussions as strong and constructive.
Ethiopia has been landlocked since Eritrea became independent in 1993, making reliable access to maritime routes a long-standing strategic goal for the country. Access to the sea would help Ethiopia expand its trade, improve logistics, and strengthen its position in regional commerce. Abiy’s visit highlights how seriously Ethiopia takes this issue.
Erdogan’s trip to Ethiopia was notable for its high-level nature, including Türkiye’s foreign and defense ministers, signaling the growing importance of relations between the two countries. The visit also coincides with the centennial of formal diplomatic ties between Ethiopia and Türkiye, which began in 1926.
During the meetings, the leaders focused on expanding trade between their countries. Ethiopian officials said both sides aim to increase trade to at least $1 billion. Abiy also encouraged Turkish companies to invest more in Ethiopia, which already hosts one of the largest concentrations of Turkish businesses in sub-Saharan Africa. Many of these companies are active in manufacturing and construction, sectors that have contributed significantly to Ethiopia’s economic growth.
The discussions also included cooperation in international forums. Both leaders talked about climate change negotiations linked to COP31, which Türkiye will host next year, followed by Ethiopia in the following cycle. This shows the two countries are looking beyond just bilateral ties, aiming to work together on global challenges.
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 in regional disputes. Its growing presence in Ethiopia reflects Ankara’s broader strategy in Africa, where it seeks stronger political and economic influence.
Abiy described the meetings with Erdogan as successful and fruitful, highlighting that Ankara recognizes Ethiopia’s strategic importance in the region. The visit not only strengthened diplomatic ties but also opened doors for more investment and cooperation, reinforcing a partnership that could benefit both countries economically and politically.
The Ethiopian prime minister’s push for maritime access, combined with deeper trade ties and investment from Türkiye, shows that both countries are committed to building a long-term strategic partnership. Analysts say that such collaborations could accelerate Ethiopia’s economic growth, increase job opportunities, and help the country better integrate into global trade networks.
Overall, the talks between Abiy Ahmed and Tayyip Erdogan marked a significant step in Ethiopia-Türkiye relations, focusing on long-term cooperation, investment, trade, and regional influence. Ethiopia’s goal of gaining sea access remains a central focus, but the broader discussions signal a deeper and more multifaceted partnership between the two nations.