BY NURAY BASARAN
AKSAM- Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan recently added Africa as a brand new dimension to Turkish foreign policy and trade. Having already named 2005 ‘The Year of Africa,’ Erdogan began his trip aimed at improving bilateral relations and signing several agreements towards this end by visiting Ethiopia. Although currently we lack deep political and geographical links with Ethiopia, the Ottoman Empire did have such ties. Probably for these sentimental and historical reasons, Erdogan decided to make this country his first stop.
Ethiopia is in fact one of the oldest nations in the world with a 2,000-year history, and is also the first independent country on the African continent.
Ethiopia has long been involved in border disputes with its neighbors. During these conflicts dating back to 1978, Ethiopia received military aid from Russia and Cuba.
When World War I broke out, Ethiopia supported Austria and the Ottoman Empire, basically for two reasons: First, Ethiopia didn’t want to act in favor of its former enemies, the French and the British. The other reason was that the Muslim population in Ethiopian cities such as Ogedan and Cemma was sympathetic towards the Turks.
Ethiopia tried to improve its relations with Arab countries towards the end of the 1980s. But countries such as Egypt, Syria, Iraq and Saudi Arabia were reluctant to send military aid and equipment to Ethiopia. Therefore, it decided to forge closer ties with Israel. In return for sending back a number of Ethiopian Jews to Israel, the Ethiopian regime received military support from Tel Aviv.
Ethiopia, which developed historical ties with the Middle East, Europe, America, Turkey and even Russia decades ago, is now mostly known for suffering due to starvation, AIDS and internal conflicts. Nevertheless, Erdogan’s visit to Ethiopia is significant. It would be unrealistic however, to consider this trip more than sentimental and a reminder of historical memories. Both sides have probably come up with the same result. Next Erdogan is headed towards South Africa, the leading actor in the region with its vast economy and international role, for a more substantial visit.