Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has commended Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed for the social, economic, and political milestones achieved in Ethiopia under his leadership.

Speaking during a joint press conference in Addis Ababa, PM Erdoğan described Ethiopia’s long-standing state structure and governance as increasingly vital to the region and offered his congratulations on the progress made during the Prime Minister’s tenure. 

The President’s official visit began with a symbolic wreath-laying ceremony at the Adwa Victory Memorial, where he paid tribute to the heroes who fought for the freedom of Black people, an act welcomed by Addis Ababa Mayor Adanech Abebie as a significant gesture of international respect.

Following extensive private discussions, the two leaders announced a landmark agreement to boost bilateral trade to at least $1bn, with Abiy highlighting Ethiopia’s projected 10.2% economic growth as a prime opportunity for Turkish firms to use the country as a strategic gateway to the broader African market. To support this economic shift, the two nations signed several strategic agreements covering railway and transport infrastructure, the construction of manufacturing plants, tourism, and the expansion of power transmission lines.

Erdoğan’s visit follows a formal invitation extended by the Prime Minister during the G20 summit in South Africa, marking a major step in a diplomatic relationship that has now flourished for more than half a century. Welcoming the Turkish delegation to the "Land of Origins," PM Abiy reaffirmed the shared commitment of both nations to enhancing partnerships that serve their mutual interests and expressed his full confidence that the visit would further solidify the enduring friendship between Ethiopia and Türkiye.