Ethiopian Defense Minister Meets with Turkish Counterpart in Istanbul
ADDIS ABABA – Ethiopian defense minister Dr. Abraham Belay met with his Turkish counterpart, Hulusi Akar, in Istanbul.
The two defense ministers held their meeting on the sidelines of the third Turkey-Africa Partnership Summit, which was attended by a high-level Ethiopian delegation led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
Defense Minister Abrham said the discussions covered the “impressive military technology the Turkish military has been developing” since Othman Kingdom, describing the discussion as “fruitful”.
The two sides has also exchanged views in the fields of regional defense and security, Turkish state news agency Anadulu reported.
The two countries signed military financial cooperation agreement during the Prime Minister Abiy official visit to Turkey in August, 2021.
“The historical relations between our two countries have always been rooted in mutual respect. Our partnership continues based on constructive engagement,” said Abiy after his meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Friday.
Another member of the delegation, State Minister Ambassador Redwan Hussein also met with his Turkish counterpart, Sadat Onat, and discussed bilateral and regional issues of common concern, reported Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
At the meeting, Redwan briefed the Turkish side on the current situation in the Northern part of Ethiopia, the efforts made by the Ethiopian government to avoid the conflict and ensure unfettered access to humanitarian assistance.
The State Minister also explained the challenges Ethiopia had faced due to the belligerent nature of the TPLF and the current state of the situation.
Redwan also informed his Turkish counterpart that the government is establishing a National Dialogue Commission to perform a nationwide inclusive dialogue.
Ambassador Sadat, on his part, asked the Ethiopian side to consider cessation of hostilities and ceasefire, according to Ethiopian Foreign Ministry.
He said Turkey would support the AU-led peace effort and the role of AU’s High Representative for the Horn of Africa, Olusegun Obasanjo.
Both sides also discussed cooperation on foreign direct investment and capacity building, the Ministry said.
Featured Image Caption: Defense Minister Akar (R) meets Ethiopian Defense Minister Dr Abraham Belay (L) in Istanbul on December 18, 2021.
