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Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has cautioned Ethiopia over its recent agreement with Somaliland during his first visit to the Horn of Africa in nearly 10 years.

Speaking during his regional tour, President Erdoğan emphasized the importance of respecting Somalia’s territorial integrity, amid tensions sparked by Ethiopia’s memorandum of understanding with Somaliland. The deal reportedly grants Ethiopia access to the Red Sea in exchange for potential recognition of Somaliland’s independence.

The agreement has drawn sharp criticism from Somalia, which considers Somaliland part of its sovereign territory. Turkey, which has strong diplomatic and economic ties with Somalia, reiterated its support for dialogue and stability in the region.

The visit highlights Ankara’s renewed engagement in the Horn of Africa, a region of growing geopolitical competition and strategic importance.