Turkish President Erdoğan Lays Wreath at Adwa Victory Memorial in Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa, February 17, 2026 (ENA)—Türkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan laid Wreath at the Adwa Victory Memorial in honor of Ethiopia’s fallen heroes after grand reception at the National Palace in Addis Ababa.

The memorial commemorates the historic Battle of Adwa, where Ethiopian forces decisively defeated invading colonial army in 1896 — a landmark victory that secured the country’s sovereignty and became a symbol of African resistance and dignity.

The wreath-laying ceremony underscored the respect accorded to Ethiopia’s history and its enduring legacy as a symbol of independence for the African continent.

President Erdoğan arrived in Addis Ababa earlier today for an official working visit to Ethiopia, where he was accorded an exceptional reception by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.

​​​​​​Upon his arrival, President Erdoğan was welcomed with full state honors reflecting the steadily deepening ties between Ethiopia and Türkiye.

Prime Minister Abiy personally received the Turkish leader at the foot of the aircraft, underscoring the strong diplomatic bond and mutual respect between the two nations.

As President Erdoğan proceeded to the National Palace for official engagements, a ceremonial cavalry of horsemen accompanied his motorcade, adding splendor and cultural symbolism to the visit.

The grand reception in Addis Ababa mirrors the memorable visit Prime Minister Abiy paid to Türkiye a few years ago, when he was welcomed with remarkable fanfare in Ankara and Istanbul.

During that visit, President Erdoğan personally received the Ethiopian leader with full honors, symbolizing the elevation of bilateral ties to a strategic level and paving the way for expanded cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure, and defense collaboration.

Türkiye and Ethiopia this year mark 100 years of diplomatic relations, a partnership that has steadily grown across political, economic, and cultural spheres. Notably, Ethiopia hosts Türkiye’s first embassy established in Africa, reflecting the historical depth of ties between the two nations.

The symbolic act, extended only to select heads of state with whom Ethiopia shares deep historical and strategic ties, highlights the exceptional nature of the relationship between Addis Ababa and Ankara.

Several high-level Ethiopian government officials, including senior cabinet members, military leaders, and diplomats, were present at the airport to welcome the visiting head of state.

Shortly after the arrival ceremony, Prime Minister Abiy took to social media to express his sentiments regarding the visit.

“It is my greatest pleasure to warmly welcome H.E. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of the Republic of Türkiye to the Land of Origins on his official visit. 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,” the Prime Minister wrote.

The visit is regarded as a significant milestone in further consolidating Ethiopia–Türkiye relations as the two nations celebrate a century of diplomatic engagement.