Addis Ababa (Kaab TV) – Ethiopia’s Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, announced that he has requested diplomatic support from the Government of Turkey regarding Addis Ababa’s efforts to secure access to the sea, during an official visit by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

Speaking at a joint press conference, Abiy stated that the issue of “seeking sea access” was the most important item on the agenda during President Erdoğan’s visit. He noted that the two sides held intensive and productive discussions and welcomed Turkey’s role in the matter.

Ethiopia has been landlocked since Eritrea gained independence in 1993. The government in Addis Ababa has repeatedly emphasized that securing reliable access to a seaport is a strategic national priority.

President Erdoğan’s visit was a high-level engagement, accompanied by Turkey’s foreign and defense ministers. It comes at a time when both countries are seeking to strengthen their economic and political ties, while also marking the centenary of diplomatic relations established between the two nations in 1926.

The two leaders also discussed expanding trade, with Ethiopian officials stating that both sides aim to increase bilateral trade to at least $1 billion. Prime Minister Abiy encouraged Turkish companies to expand their investments in Ethiopia, where many Turkish firms are already active, particularly in the manufacturing and construction sectors.

The parties further addressed cooperation in international forums, including climate negotiations at the COP31 summit, which is scheduled to be hosted by Turkey next year and subsequently by Ethiopia.

In recent years, Turkey has expanded its diplomatic role in the Horn of Africa, positioning itself as a key partner in trade, development, and regional conflict mediation.

Prime Minister Abiy described the meetings as fruitful, stating that Ankara recognizes Ethiopia’s strategic importance in the region.