President Erdoğan Arrives in Addis Ababa for Official Visit; PM Abiy Extends Exceptional Reception

Addis Ababa, February 17, 2026 (ENA)—President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan arrived in Ethiopia’s capital on Tuesday for an official working visit, where he was welcomed with full state honors by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.

Upon landing, President Erdoğan was received at the foot of the aircraft by Prime Minister Abiy, in a gesture underscoring the growing diplomatic, economic, and strategic ties between Ethiopia and Türkiye.

 Senior Ethiopian government officials were present at the airport ceremony.

In a message shared on social media, Prime Minister Abiy described the visit as a reflection of the deepening partnership between the two nations.

“It is my greatest pleasure to warmly welcome President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of the Republic of Türkiye to the Land of Origins on his official visit,” Abiy stated.

“Our exchange of visits reflects the strength of the deep partnership between Türkiye and Ethiopia. From Ankara to Addis Ababa, I look forward to productive discussions that will further deepen cooperation and strengthen the enduring bonds between our two ancient nations,” he said.

As part of the ceremonial reception, Prime Minister Abiy personally accompanied President Erdoğan from the airport — a gesture typically reserved for leaders of countries with which Ethiopia shares longstanding and strategic relations.

The symbolic act highlights the significance Addis Ababa attaches to its partnership with Ankara.

The reception in Addis Ababa mirrors the warm welcome Prime Minister Abiy received during his previous visit to Türkiye, where President Erdoğan hosted him with full honors in Ankara and Istanbul.

That visit marked an elevation of bilateral relations and laid the groundwork for expanded cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure, and defense.

During his stay, President Erdoğan is expected to hold high-level talks with Prime Minister Abiy focusing on strengthening collaboration in trade, manufacturing, construction, energy, defense, and cultural exchange. The two leaders are also anticipated to discuss regional peace and security, as well as broader continental issues of mutual interest.

The visit is seen as another milestone in the steady expansion of Ethiopia–Türkiye relations over the past decade, as both countries seek to further consolidate their strategic partnership across multiple sectors.