Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan held bilateral talks on 10 November in Antalya, coinciding with the COP31 climate conference, to explore ways to deepen trade and investment ties while addressing regional peace concerns.

Both governments issued statements confirming that President Erdoğan reiterated Turkey’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Ethiopia across multiple sectors and to supporting stability in the Horn of Africa.

Prime Minister Abiy described the meeting as productive, noting that the leaders discussed opportunities to strengthen their partnership as Ethiopia prepares to assume the COP32 presidency.

Turkey’s emphasis on regional peace reflects its mediation role following the 2024 Ethiopia‑Somaliland memorandum, which strained relations with Somalia; Ankara previously hosted the leaders of Ethiopia and Somalia in December 2024, resulting in the Ankara Declaration affirming respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The Ankara Declaration also recognised Ethiopia’s interest in securing reliable sea access through agreements with Somalia, with Turkey facilitating subsequent technical negotiations.

Turkish investment in Ethiopia reached nearly $2.5 billion (Sh322 billion) in the 2023/24 fiscal year, placing Turkey among Ethiopia’s top three investors, with projects spanning construction, manufacturing, agriculture and chemicals.

Beyond commercial ventures, Turkey continues humanitarian and development assistance through NGOs and charitable institutions delivering basic goods and services to Ethiopian communities.

Energy cooperation featured prominently; Turkey’s Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar cited a February memorandum of understanding signed in Addis Ababa as a basis for joint work on electricity generation, grid infrastructure, renewable energy and efficiency.

Both sides said they will maintain coordination on climate diplomacy and advance shared priorities as Turkey hosts COP31 from 9 to 20 November and Ethiopia prepares for its COP32 presidency the following year.