Turkish President’s Visit Underscores Growing Strategic Partnership with Ethiopia – PM Office

Addis Ababa, February 17, 2026 (FMC) — The visit of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of the Republic of Türkiye to Ethiopia today highlights the growing strategic partnership between the two nations and reaffirms Ethiopia’s role as a diplomatic hub in the region, according to the Office of the Prime Minister of Ethiopia.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed received President Erdoğan at Bole International Airport upon his arrival for the official working visit. The reception included a ceremonial welcome reflecting the high-level significance of the visit, underscoring the two countries’ commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.

The Prime Minister’s Office emphasized that the visit reflects the deepening cooperation between Türkiye and Ethiopia. It provides an opportunity to showcase Ethiopia’s hospitality and rich cultural heritage, including its recognition as the birthplace of coffee, while highlighting the broad potential of the bilateral partnership.

In messages shared via the Prime Minister’s Office, PM Abiy highlighted Ethiopia’s warm welcome to President Erdoğan, noting that the guest would feel “not like a visitor, but a friend,” and expressed optimism about exploring the opportunities the partnership provides.

The Prime Minister also stated that the exchange of visits between Ankara and Addis Ababa demonstrates the strength of the enduring partnership between Türkiye and Ethiopia. He added that this visit further strengthens the historic bonds between the two nations and reaffirms Ethiopia’s role as a regional diplomatic hub.

The reception at Bole International Airport included high-level Ethiopian officials, signaling the importance of the visit in the context of bilateral relations. The visit comes amid steadily growing cooperation between the two nations across multiple areas, including economic, diplomatic, cultural, and regional engagement.