As we celebrate the 125th Anniversary of the first official contacts between Turkey and Ethiopia, then known as the Ottoman Empire and Habeshistan, it seems like the perfect time to look back at the progress we have made and the current state of our relations. Our strong, unhindered and ever evolving relations are linked to the importance both sides gives one and another.
The first exchanges between our two countries dates back to 1896 when documentation detailing formal communication between the rule of Sultan Abdülhamid II and Emperor Menelik II were found. This was followed closely by the opening of the first Ottoman-Turkish Consulate General in Harar in 1912. Turkey has recently opened a cultural centre in Harar and we are looking towards further improving on these shared cultural bonds.
Soon after in 1926, the first Embassy of the Republic of Turkey in Sub-Saharan Africa was opened in Addis Ababa. This was a big step in Turkey’s relations with not only Ethiopia but the whole of Africa. Since our first Ambassador who took up the prestigious position of being the Turkish Ambassador to Ethiopia, 22 Ambassadors have successfully completed their posting in Addis Ababa.
I am proud to be the 23rd and first female diplomat to be appointed as the Turkish Ambassador to Ethiopia. Since taking up my new post in December 2019, everyday has shown me a new aspect of our relations and ways in which both sides want to continue strengthening our ties.
On the Ethiopian side, the Ethiopian Embassy in Turkey was opened in 1933.
Looking back, it is clearly evident that the historical relations between our two countries were the fruit of mutual respect, willingness to cooperate and cultural similarities. Just as Turkey is a melting pot of European, Asian and Middle Eastern cultures, Ethiopia is unique in its ethnic diversity.
More recently our relations have blossomed on several levels. Economically we are at an all-time high. Our bilateral trade volume is a clear representation of our developing relations. Additionally, Turkey is the second largest investor in the country.
I am also proud to note that there are over 200 Turkish companies who actively work in Ethiopia. Moreover, these investors are not only solely interested in economic gains but also contributing to their local communities. Over 20,000 Ethiopians are employed by Turkish companies. An important part of these employees are also taught fundamental skills in business and textile manufacturing.
The goal of increasing our trade volume to 1 billion USD was also recently agreed on by both sides.
Improved relations between the two countries and increased travel opportunities through daily flights have led to greater cohabitation and the merging of families. An increasing number of Ethio-Turk families are coming to register at our Embassy. The sincere and close bonds between Turkey and Ethiopia represented at the individual level is proof of how deep our relations run.
Recently, we have had the opportunity to host Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H.E. Demeke Mekonnen in Turkey. This visit was a great way to mark the beginning of the celebrations for the 125th Anniversary of the first formal contact between our two countries. The visit served as an opportunity for both sides to announce their readiness to further improve relations and discuss regional and
global developments of mutual interest for both sides. During the visit, Mr. Demeke Mekonnen and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey H.E. Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu also inaugurated the new Ethiopian Embassy in Ankara.
The Embassy was built on land that was gifted to Ethiopia in the context of mutual land exchanges between our two countries. As Minister Çavuşoğlu expressed, the new Embassy will be a “new flower” in Ankara.
In the time ahead, Turkey is looking to not only increase its investment in Ethiopia but also to develop our relations in different fields. We want to open a Yunus Emre Turkish Cultural Centre in Addis Ababa where we will be able to connect more directly with those who wish to learn about or understand our country better.
On the occasion of Adwa Victory, I also want to touch upon the bravery of all the Ethiopians who fought against colonization and imperialism. As one of the initial inspirations of pan-Africanism, in 1896, Ethiopians left their mark in the world by the unity, fraternity, strength and idealism they demonstrated.
Which served to inspire a great number of African countries to embrace their own individuality and strengths. In a similar sense, Ethiopia continues to be a pillar of strength in Africa.
Turkey and Ethiopia have had 125 years of flourishing relations. However, I am hopeful in saying that the best is yet to come. With that I want to wish all my fellow Ethiopians a happy Victory Day.
The Ethiopian Herald March 2/2021
