Somali and Ethiopian leaders sign peace deal after Erdogan’s mediation in Ankara, says African Union.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced late Wednesday that Ethiopia and Somalia reached an agreement to solve the conflict between the two nations in Ankara-mediated peace talks. “We have taken the first step toward a new beginning based on peace, cooperation between Somalia, Ethiopia,” President Erdogan said at a joint news conference with his Somalian counterpart Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Erdogan expressed his satisfaction with hosting his guests and their delegations in Türkiye. He noted that the Ankara Process, initiated approximately eight months ago due to the trust Somalia and Ethiopia placed in Türkiye, had reached a significant milestone. “Thus, by overcoming certain grievances and misunderstandings together, we have taken the first step towards a new beginning based on peace and cooperation between Somalia and Ethiopia,” he said. “We carefully listened to the sensitivities, priorities and expectations of both parties throughout this process. With the valuable contributions of both countries, we have prepared the joint declaration text agreed upon today.” Erdogan emphasized that despite having faced numerous injustices and serious conflicts in the past, the region where Somalia and Ethiopia are located has also experienced bright periods in history and made significant contributions to humanity. “This joint declaration focuses not on the past, but on the future, recording the principles that these two friendly nations will build upon moving forward, which is of great importance to us,” he said. Ankara’s fundamental expectation is to establish peace and stability “in this distinguished corner” of Africa between Somalia and Ethiopia, he added. Türkiye believes the agreed-upon joint statement by Somalia and Ethiopia will establish a solid foundation for cooperation and prosperity based on mutual respect, he said. Erdogan said that Türkiye, Somalia and Ethiopia will plan future steps together and implement projects to boost regional peace and prosperity. He also praised Somalia’s president and Ethiopia’s prime minister for “reaching this historic reconciliation with great dedication” during the Ankara-mediated peace talks. The Turkish president also expressed his gratitude to Mohamud and Ahmed. He said he believes Mohamud will provide the necessary attention, care and support, particularly in line with Ethiopia’s requests for access to the sea. “This world is enough for all of us. Together, we will undoubtedly secure our place here, and we will take these steps together,” he said. Ahmed hailed Türkiye for its efforts in resolving the Somalia-Ethiopia conflict during the talks. Mohamud also hailed Türkiye’s efforts in resolving the perennial territorial and political conflict between Somalia and Ethiopia. Ties between Ethiopia and Somalia have worsened since Ethiopia struck a deal with the breakaway region of Somaliland on Jan. 1 to use its Red Sea port of Berbera. Türkiye has been working to end tensions between the two countries. Ethiopia lost its Red Sea ports in the early 1990s after the Eritrean War of Independence, which lasted from 1961 to 1991. In 1991, Eritrea gained independence from Ethiopia, leading to the establishment of two separate nations. The separation resulted in Ethiopia losing direct access to the Red Sea and key ports. Ethiopia has since been landlocked, affecting its ability to conduct efficient maritime trade.

Turkish President Erdogan held separate meetings with Somalia and Ethiopia leaders to mediate the Somaliland dispute and strengthen bilateral relations.

Turkish President Erdogan announced the reopening of the Yayladagi border gate to facilitate the return of Syrian refugees following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad.

This training is part of a broader effort by Turkey to strengthen Somalia’s military capabilities.

Türkiye’s foreign minister Hakan Fidan underscores the country’s focus on peaceful solutions in Syria and addresses regional issues, including relations with Israel, Russia, and Greece.

Egypt’s trade relations with Turkey are “very robust and balanced,” reflecting a healthy economic partnership between the two countries, according to Egyptian Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Hassan El-Khatib. Egypt and Turkey “have highly diversified exports, which strengthen their trade relationship,” Khatib said in an interview with Anadolu. “Turkey is the first export destination to Egypt globally and Egypt is one of Turkey ’s most significant trade partners in Africa, while Türkiye is the top export destination for Egyptian goods,” he added. Khatib landed in Turkey on Monday to attend the opening session of the 40th Ministerial Conference for Trade Ministers of the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). His talks in Turkey aimed at exploring ways to enhance trade and investment relations between Ankara and Cairo. According to the minister, the bilateral trade volume reached $6.9 billion in 2023, with Egypt’s exports at $3.6 billion and imports from Turkey totaling $3.3 billion. By the year-end, he said, the trade volume could reach $8 billion. In September, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi paid a landmark visit to Ankara following a visit by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Cairo in February. During the visit, the two leaders signed 17 new agreements to enhance bilateral cooperation, especially in the fields of trade and investment. They also signed a mutual declaration for the first meeting of the High-level Strategic Cooperation Council between the two countries. Khatib called the mutual declaration a “turning point towards building a new chapter for cooperation between Egypt and Turkey , and exploring new paths for cooperation based on mutual benefits and solidarity.” – New industrial parks Khatib said both Cairo and Ankara agreed to develop two new industrial parks in Egypt. “The first project, located in the New Administrative Capital, will span 2.1 million square meters and is expected to cost $120 million. The second project is located in New October City and will be over 2.6 million square meters,” he added. The minister said that both Egypt and Turkey aim to increase their trade volume to $15 billion within a few years “through improving the infrastructure and business environment for joint venture projects and investments, eliminating any obstacles of trade exchange and investments.” “I am fully convinced and optimistic that the outcomes of this strategic partnership will be witnessed very soon,” the minister said. “The figures for trade volume investment flow and projects are very satisfying and reflect momentum in the mutual relations.” – Key sectors for growth Khatib said both Egypt and Turkey have “very good potential” for growth in the fields of chemicals, petrochemicals, textiles, apparel, automotive, furniture, building materials, pharmaceuticals and medical supplies. “There is significant potential for growth in bilateral trade between Egypt and Türkiye, given their strong industrial and agricultural capabilities,” he added. The minister said trade in services, including telecommunications, tourism and construction, also has “promising” opportunities. “Additionally, expanding the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to include a wider range of agricultural goods would significantly enhance trade opportunities,” Khatib said. “Turkey is currently Egypt’s largest importer, and increasing access to the Turkish market for Egyptian agricultural products could further improve competitiveness internationally,” he added. “In return, Egypt would benefit from Turkish agricultural products that help meet local demand and stabilize prices.” – Regional challenges On obstacles to advancing trade and investment relations, Khatib pointed to regional instability and disrupted supply chains as significant hurdles. “The ongoing conflicts, instability, and disrupted supply chains in the region pose risks to the global economy, including both our countries,” he noted. Regional tension has escalated due to Israel’s ongoing war on the Gaza Strip, which has killed over 43,400 people, mostly women and children, since last year. The conflict has spread to Lebanon with Israel launching massive airstrikes on the country, killing more than 3,000 people since last year amid cross-border warfare with the Hezbollah group. The conflict has also involved Yemen’s Houthi group, which began to attack commercial ships in the Red Sea in a show of solidarity with Gaza. “Despite these challenges, Egypt has successfully positioned itself as a leading destination for foreign direct investment (FDI),” Khatib said. “In 2023, Egypt was recognized as the top investment destination in Africa for the second consecutive year, capturing 18.6% of Africa’s total FDI, amounting to $52.6 billion. Globally, Egypt ranked 32nd in FDI attraction, with net FDI flows reaching $46.1 billion in 2023/2024.” – Turkish investment in Egypt Khatib said Turkish investments in Egypt reached $3 billion, primarily in the manufacturing and services sectors, employing over 50,000 Egyptians in the textile sector alone. “The Turkish investments in Egypt are growing fast,” he said. “With the increase of Turkish investments in Egypt, which contributed significantly to the Egyptian exports globally, and at the same time, most of the Turkish investors in Egypt import different products from Turkey (raw materials – intermediate commodities). This is reflecting the concept of integration and the mutual benefits.” To support Turkish investors, the Egyptian minister said a specialized unit within the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI), Egypt’s government investment arm, will be established, aimed at “providing personalized assistance and resolving any challenges they may encounter.” – Joint ventures in Africa Khatib said there is “wide room for cooperation” between Egypt and Turkey in Africa. “The potential for trade and investment opportunities is huge, especially after the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) entered into force and fully implemented,” he said. “Egypt could be an industrial and logistical hub for Turkish products and commodities to access African markets. Construction companies could find a base ground to work together in Africa,” the minister added.

Turkey’s envoy to the UN Ahmet Yildiz on Wednesday denounced Israel’s ban on the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), stressing that it “must be viewed as an attack on the General Assembly itself.” Emphasizing the aid agency’s critical role in providing essential support to Palestinian refugees, Yildiz said at a UN General Assembly session that “UNRWA has been a lifeline for millions of Palestinian refugees” since its establishment in 1949. Yildiz condemned Israel’s actions, including recent Israeli legislation banning the agency, which he described as “a direct and imminent threat” to UNRWA’s operations, particularly in the occupied Palestinian territories. “These measures violate Israel’s obligations under the UN charters, the convention on the privileges and immunities of UN, the International Court of Justice’s provision rulings on genocide prevention in Gaza, the General Assembly’s mandate for UNRWA and other binding international legal commitments,” he said. He also condemned attacks on UNRWA staff and facilities, calling them “unacceptable.” “An attack on UNRWA must be viewed as an attack on the General Assembly itself,” he said, adding that “it is now incumbent upon us as member states to stand firmly against any attempts to dismantle UNRWA, a body established by a UN General Assembly resolution and crucial to achieving justice and peace to Palestinian refugees.” Yildiz reaffirmed Turkey’s continued support of UNRWA’s work, both politically and financially, as the chair of the UNRWA financing working group.

Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan outlined the country’s active role in resolving African conflicts, particularly the tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with Djibouti’s Mahmoud Ali Youssouf during the Turkey-Africa partnership conference in Djibouti.

Ankara aims to reinforce its commitment to Africa as Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan visits Djibouti to attend the Third Ministerial Review Conference of the Turkey-Africa Partnership.

Turkey’s Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar announced plans to launch a gas hub in 2025, powered by Russian gas and centered around Istanbul.

Turkish President Erdogan commends Senegal for its support of Palestine’s two-state solution and calls for action against Israel’s policies.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Türkiye on Monday expressed condolences with the people of Chad over a terrorist attack in the Central African country. A statement by the Turkish Foreign Ministry expressed sadness over the killing of nearly 40 Chadian soldiers and many others injured by a “terrorist attack on a military base in the Lake Chad province” on Sunday. The ministry statement also wished a swift recovery to the wounded and wished Allah’s mercy on those who lost their lives.

The two countries are recognizing the potential for mutual benefit and are working together to attract more visitors.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will attend the Turkey-Africa ministerial review conference, gathering leaders from 14 African nations and the African Union to advance mutual goals.

Turkey and Somalia have signed a deal to jointly explore for oil and gas onshore in Somalia, expanding their energy cooperation.

 Leaders from around the world condemned a terrorist attack Wednesday targeting a defense industry facility in Türkiye’s capital in which five people were killed and 22 injured.  Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned the attack on the headquarters of Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) in Ankara. “I condemn this heinous attack on facilities of the Turkish Aerospace Industries,” Erdogan said. Russian President Vladimir Putin also condemned the attack on the sidelines of a BRICS group summit that Erdogan was attending as a guest. “Dear Mr. President, dear colleagues, we are very glad to welcome you to Kazan. But before we start work, I would like to express my condolences in connection with the terrorist attack. Media reports are coming in about the terrorist attack in Türkiye,” Putin said. He added that Moscow condemns any manifestations of terrorism. The US also condemned the deadly terror attack, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken saying “the United States stands with our Ally Türkiye and strongly condemns today’s terrorist attack. “My thoughts are with the victims and their families,” Blinken added in his remarks on X. White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby also condemned the attack.  “This morning, our prayers are with all of those affected and their families, and of course, also the people of Türkiye at this very difficult time,” he said. “Turkish authorities, as they said it, are investigating this as a possible terrorist attack, and while we don’t yet know the motive or who is exactly behind it, we strongly condemn this act of violence,” he told reporters at a briefing. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte also condemned the attack. “We strongly condemn terrorism in all its forms and are monitoring developments closely,” Rutte said. “NATO stands with its allied nation Türkiye,” he added. European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell “strongly condemned” terrorism in all forms in a post on X following the attack. “The EU expresses solidarity with Türkiye in this difficult time,” he said. Azerbaijan also condemned the attack, adding that Baku would always be on the side “of its brother, Türkiye.” French President Emmanuel Macron also condemned “the terrorist attack that hit Ankara in the strongest terms,” in a post on X. He highlighted that the French people “share the pain of the families of those who lost their lives in the attack and offer our condolences to them.”  Macron said his country stands “in solidarity with Türkiye and the Turkish people against terrorism.” German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on X: “I am shocked by the reports of the dead and injured in Ankara. We strongly condemn terrorism in any form and stand by our partner Türkiye.” Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof also conveyed his condolences to President Erdogan, saying the Netherlands “condemns all forms of terrorism. We sympathize with Türkiye and are closely monitoring the situation.” Calling the terrorist attack “horrific,” Germany also condemned “all forms of terrorism in the strongest possible terms.” “Our solidarity goes out to our Turkish friends.” Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer also “strongly” condemned the attack, saying: “Terrorism and violence have no place in our society.” Kosovo condemned the attack as well, expressing solidarity with Türkiye. “We stand with our ally, Türkiye, following today’s terrorist attack in Ankara. Our deepest condolences go out to the families and loved ones of the victims. Terrorism and violence have no place in our world!” says President Vjosa Osmani on X. Slovenia also condemned the “heinous” attack, with Deputy Prime Minister Tanja Fajon drawing attention to the civilian death toll. “I condemn the heinous attack — which claimed lives of innocent people — in Türkiye today. There is no place for terrorism — or any form of violence — in democratic societies. My thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones,” she said. Ireland’s Foreign Ministry said on X that “Ireland condemns the deadly attack that took place in Türkiye today.” “We express condolences with the people of Türkiye, especially the families of those who have been killed or injured,” it added. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic expressed “concern” over the terrorist attack in Ankara. “Serbia condemns all forms of terrorism and stands in solidarity with Türkiye and its people,” he said, conveying his “sincere condolences to the victims’ families, and I wish those injured a speedy recovery.” The Balkan nation’s Foreign Ministry said on X: “Our hearts go out to the victims of the horrifying attack in #Ankara as we express our deepest condolences to their families.” “Shocked and saddened, we strongly condemn this senseless act of violence and stand with the people of #Türkiye during this difficult time,” it added. On Facebook, the Chairperson of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Deniz Becirovic, also condemned the terrorist attack. He expressed his condolences to President Erdogan, the families of the victims of the attack and the Turkish nation. – Condemnations from diplomatic missions in Türkiye Canada’s Embassy in Türkiye released a similar statement of strong condemnation, adding that Ottawa stands with Türkiye, “our friend and ally, at this difficult time.” Calling the attack “despicable,” the chief of British intelligence service MI6 also condemned the attack. “I extend my condolences to the families of the martyrs and wish a speedy recovery to the injured,” Richard Moore said on X. The president of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Ersin Tatar, condemned the attack as well, offering his condolences. The US Embassy in Türkiye also issued a statement of condemnation. “The United States strongly condemns today’s terrorist attack and extends condolences to the families of those lost and injured. We stand with our ally Türkiye,” it said. Switzerland’s embassy in Türkiye also condemned the attack “in the strongest terms,” conveying its condolences to the Turkish people.

The WCI Forum in Istanbul brings together over 1,500 African businesspeople and Turkish SMEs to strengthen economic ties and explore new trade opportunities.

The operative, Ahmet Baykara, confessed to his involvement and provided information about his associates.

The Turkish Coast Guard on Sunday rescued a total of 28 irregular migrants forced back into the country’s territorial waters by Greek forces in the Aegean Sea. In the first of two successful rescue operations off the country’s Aegean shores, the Coast Guard Command said on its website that 14 migrants, including four children, were saved from a rubber boat off the district of Dikili in Izmir province. The other operation took place off the coast of Datca district in the province of Mugla, resulting in the rescue of an additional 14 migrants, among them seven children, from a lifeboat. All migrants were transferred to the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management for further processing. Türkiye has been a key transit point for asylum seekers wanting to cross into Europe to start new lives, especially those fleeing war and persecution. Ankara and global rights groups have repeatedly condemned Greece’s illegal practice, saying it violates humanitarian values and international law by endangering the lives of vulnerable migrants, including women and children.

A Turkish Airlines flight traveling from Seattle to Istanbul had to make an emergency landing in New York after one of the pilots collapsed during the flight, the airline confirmed on Wednesday. The incident took place shortly after takeoff from Seattle on Tuesday evening. Despite swift attempts at first aid, the 59-year-old pilot sadly passed away before the plane could reach its destination, as reported by Turkish Airlines spokesperson Yahya Ustun on social media. The Airbus A350, operating as flight TK204, was diverted to New York by the co-pilot and remaining flight crew. The pilot, who had been with Turkish Airlines since 2007, had recently passed a routine medical examination in March with no reported health issues.

Turkey’s Diyanet Foundation has opened a new education center in Tanzania to provide comprehensive education and care to orphans and underprivileged children.