In doing so, Ankara appears to be shifting from its customary quiet diplomacy and aligning more openly with Saudi Arabia and Egypt in countering what they view as potential moves by the United Arab Emirates and Ethiopia toward recognizing Somaliland. Mr. Erdogan’s trip came only days after Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, visited Addis Ababa to discuss the same issue with Mr. Abiy. Whether Turkey’s more assertive posture will alter calculations in Addis Ababa remains uncertain. There are persistent concerns in Mogadishu that the United Arab Emirates and Ethiopia could still proceed with plans to recognize Somaliland. Somalia’s federal government has recently severed all diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates, including defense and security partnerships, citing infringements on its sovereignty.

Source: Ethiopian News February 18, 2026 12:04 UTC