Diplomatic Cable | Ethiopia

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Dışişleri Bakanlığı Ministry of Foreign Affairs​

AUTHENTIC COMMUNIQUE OF THE OFFICE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS Security Clearance: Secure and Encrypted ŞİFRELEME KORUMASI: KAPLUĞA​

[Recipient]: Ministry of Foreign Affairs < Naio90 > [Sender]: Minister of Foreign Affairs, Türkiye < SBozMOFA@tr.gov > [Subject]: Confidential //

Your Excellency, I extend to you the warmest greetings of the Government and people of the Republic of Türkiye. It is in the spirit of our enduring partnership and shared aspirations for regional peace and prosperity that I write to propose a high-level bilateral consultation between our two Ministries. Official diplomatic relations between Türkiye and Ethiopia were established in 1896 under the Ottoman Empire and renewed under the Turkish Republic in 1926, with the opening of a Turkish legation in Addis Ababa. Türkiye was one of the first countries to establish diplomatic representation in Ethiopia during a time when your nation was fighting for its sovereignty against colonial powers. Türkiye and Ethiopia have found common cause in the interwar period through our support for the principles of sovereignty and anti-colonialism. During the Italian invasion of Ethiopia in 1935, Ankara voiced support for Ethiopian territorial integrity within the framework of the League of Nations. Türkiye attaches the highest importance to its strategic relations with Ethiopia. In light of recent developments in the Red Sea region and the broader Horn of Africa, we believe this is an opportune moment to deepen our dialogue and practical cooperation in a number of critical domains. Prime Minister Çiller regards Africa as the cradle of civilization and is committed to revitalizing Türkiye’s longstanding historical ties with the continent, drawing upon our shared legacies from the period of the Ottoman dynasties. She views this moment as an opportunity to reestablish and strengthen our relations on the basis of mutual respect and shared aspirations. In that spirit, Prime Minister Çiller has instructed my office to initiate engagement with your government and explore avenues for enhanced cooperation. To that end, I would be most honored to arrange a call with Your Excellency at your earliest convenience, with the intention of discussing the following key matters: Bilateral Trade Agreement: In support of our mutual economic growth, Türkiye wishes to explore the framework for a new bilateral trade agreement aimed at enhancing the volume and diversity of trade between our nations. We would welcome Ethiopia’s views on the scope, modalities, and sectors of mutual interest, with a particular focus on logistics, energy, and agro-industrial cooperation. Security in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab: Given the increasingly complex security environment in the Red Sea, particularly with respect to maritime freedom of navigation and transnational threats, Türkiye seeks to exchange views on coordinated security mechanisms. We believe Ethiopia’s leadership is essential to regional stability and welcome a frank discussion on practical avenues for cooperation. Technical Support for the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD): Türkiye has followed the GERD issue with great interest and understanding of its significance to regional water security and development. We are prepared to offer Turkish technical expertise and capacity-building support, should the parties deem it appropriate, to contribute constructively to a sustainable resolution. Use of the Assab Naval Base for Turkish Resupply Operations: Türkiye is exploring logistical arrangements to enhance its naval resupply and refueling operations in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. In this regard, we would like to formally express our interest in utilizing facilities at the Assab Naval Base, under a mutually beneficial and transparent arrangement with the consent and cooperation of all relevant parties. We wish to engage Ethiopia in initial consultations on the strategic implications of such access and welcome your insight. Request for Economic Assistance from Ethiopia: Türkiye is working to restore stability and growth within its national economy and is seeking to explore avenues of cooperation with close partners. In this regard, we would like to formally express our interest in Ethiopia’s support through the provision of an economic loan, under a mutually beneficial and transparent arrangement that reflects the strength of our bilateral ties. We wish to engage Ethiopia in initial consultations on the potential amount of such assistance and welcome your insight. I trust that these topics will serve to further solidify the cooperative spirit between our two nations and enhance regional stability and prosperity. I stand ready to coordinate through the appropriate diplomatic channels to schedule our conversation and initiate technical-level engagement where appropriate. Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration. Yours sincerely, Regards, Sümeyye Boz Minister of Foreign Affairs Türkiye