ANKARA, (HAN) — Turkey has expressed anger over a recent move by Ethiopia following a visit by Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos to Addis Ababa, a trip officially described as diplomatic but viewed by analysts as a political step aimed at challenging Ankara’s influence in Africa and the Mediterranean.
Although Turkey has not issued an official statement, diplomatic sources in Ankara said the Turkish government sees the visit as an attempt to undermine the long-standing partnership between Turkey and Ethiopia, which has been built on military, trade, and regional peace cooperation.
Turkey has provided Ethiopia with military training, Bayraktar TB2 drones, and infrastructure development assistance.
Meanwhile, Cyprus and Israel have strengthened their new energy and defense alliance — a move Turkey views as an effort to exclude it from regional energy and geopolitical networks. Cyprus is also seeking African support amid its maritime disputes with Turkey and Northern Cyprus.
Ankara accused Cyprus and its allies of “playing with regional peace” and warned Ethiopia against falling into plans designed to divide Ankara and Addis Ababa.
Turkey reminded that it has played a vital role in promoting peace in both Ethiopia and Somalia and remains a reliable partner in the Horn of Africa.
Turkish media reported that if Ethiopia leans toward Cyprus and Israel, it risks losing Ankara’s trust, economic backing, and strategic partnership in the region.
The diplomatic tension sparked by Kombos’s visit underscores a new rift in relations between Turkey and Ethiopia. Analysts have urged Addis Ababa to remain neutral and avoid being drawn into the geopolitical rivalry among Turkey, Cyprus, and Israel to protect its African identity and diplomatic balance.
