Turkey

A high-level meeting between Ethiopian and Turkish officials highlighted growing bilateral ties and investment opportunities. Ethiopian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Misganu Arega met Turkey’s Ambassador to Addis Ababa, Berk Baran, on Thursday, underscoring Ethiopia’s macroeconomic reforms as key to attracting Turkish investors. Arega pointed to recent policy changes, such as floating Ethiopia’s foreign exchange rate and welcoming foreign banks, as transformative steps. He emphasized the potential for Turkish companies to capitalize on Ethiopia’s improving investment climate. State media reported that Arega also highlighted the Ankara Declaration, a Turkish-mediated agreement between Ethiopia and Somalia. This pact ensures Ethiopia’s access to the sea while preserving Somalia’s territorial sovereignty. Baran praised the Ankara Declaration as a testament to regional collaboration. He reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to deepening economic and diplomatic ties with both Ethiopia and Somalia. In a separate development, Mustafa Sheikh Ali Dhuhulow, Somalia’s Director General of Immigration Affairs, met with Turkey’s Ambassador to Mogadishu, Alper Aktas. Dhuhulow expressed gratitude for Turkey’s unwavering support in Somalia’s rebuilding efforts. The discussions underscored Turkey’s role as a strategic partner in East Africa, fostering economic and political stability in the region. Ethiopia’s recent reforms signal a new era of economic liberalization, with officials hoping to attract diverse global investors, especially from Turkey. This meeting marks a significant step in enhancing the relationship between Ethiopia and Turkey, built on mutual interests and shared regional goals.