Turkish President Erdoğan Visits Ethiopia to Strengthen Africa Ties, Reaffirms Support for Somalia. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — 2026-02-17 Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is currently on an official visit to Ethiopia, a trip aimed at bolstering Ankara’s diplomatic relations with African nations.
The visit, which follows stops in Egypt and Saudi Arabia earlier this month, underscores Turkey’s expanding regional influence and its commitment to supporting Somalia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
According to Turkey’s state-run Anadolu news agency, President Erdoğan is scheduled to meet with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, with the expectation of signing agreements and holding a joint press conference.
The cancellation of an earlier planned visit to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, indicates the prioritization of Ethiopia in Turkey’s current diplomatic agenda. During his engagements in Addis Ababa, President Erdoğan is expected to emphasize the importance of protecting Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
This stance aligns with Turkey’s broader foreign policy objectives, which include counterbalancing Israeli influence in the region and enhancing Ankara’s engagement with Africa.
Ethiopia and Somalia have experienced strained relations, particularly due to Ethiopia’s 2020 deal with Somaliland for sea access, a move opposed by Somalia. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s recent visit to Somalia in an effort to improve relations reflects a commitment to regional stability, which is likely to be beneficial for Turkey’s regional interests.
Turkey’s support for Somalia is seen as a strategic move to strengthen its influence in the Horn of Africa.
The focus on Gaza and Somalia’s territorial integrity during President Erdoğan’s visit indicates Turkey’s role as a mediator and a key actor in regional affairs.
The Ethiopian government’s willingness to engage in talks with Somalia suggests a commitment to regional stability, which may be advantageous for Turkey’s regional interests.
However, the specifics of the outcomes expected from President Erdoğan’s discussions with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed remain unclear. Turkey’s stance on the Gaza conflict and Somaliland recognition could potentially affect its relations with Israel and other regional powers.
The long — term strategy behind Turkey’s increased engagement in the Horn of Africa and the Middle East is also yet to be fully understood.
Further details regarding the outcomes of President Erdoğan’s visit to Ethiopia are expected to emerge in the coming days. For now, it is clear that Turkey’s diplomatic efforts in the region are gaining momentum, with a focus on enhancing its presence and influence in Africa and the Middle East.
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Source: sonna.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 4*
