Retired Major General Ahmet Yavuz evaluates Erdoğan's Ethiopia visit: 'Part of a long-term policy'

AKP President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan met with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali at the National Palace in Addis Ababa. Retired Major General Ahmet Yavuz evaluated the background of the visit for 12punto.

'RELIGION IS USED AS AN IMPORTANT LEVER IN THE RELATIONSHIP ESTABLISHED'

Retired Major General Ahmet Yavuz explained the background and goals of the visit. Yavuz stated, "Rather than imperial goals, Turkey's search for establishing strong political-economic ties with countries where the Islamic religion is widespread and which are generally underdeveloped in the economic field, and turning this into a means of increasing its own effectiveness in the international arena, has been going on for a long time. Through TİKA, it provides various aid in these countries and educational opportunities for a large number of students. Naturally, it creates a suitable environment for economic relations. It is building a regional network. This is a trend that increases diplomatic effectiveness. I observe that they are acting within the framework of a long-term plan towards Africa. It is an approach that unsettles France, which has close ties with Africa. Religion is used as an important lever in the relationship established. One must distinguish between imperial intentions and imperial effectiveness. It is being done as a requirement of the foreign policy being pursued."

'ONE MUST KNOW THE DETAILS'

Regarding the fact that some circles view the visit in question as a "historical friendship," Yavuz said, "Such descriptions generally contain exaggeration. As I mentioned, it is part of a long-term policy towards Africa. To determine its necessity, one must know the details."

'NO STEP IS TAKEN WITHOUT A RECIPROCAL BENEFIT IN FOREIGN POLICY'

Regarding AKP President Erdoğan's statement, "We discussed how to reach our 1 billion dollar trade volume target. We are pleased to be the second largest investor country in Ethiopia. It is a source of pride that our more than 200 companies support the employment of approximately 20 thousand Ethiopians with their investments amounting to 2.5 billion dollars," Yavuz evaluated it by saying, "No step is taken without a reciprocal benefit in foreign policy. If one is not acting with ideological obsession, the search for economic interest is the highest priority."

'THERE IS A DANGER OF WAR IN THE REGION'

Regarding how the visit will affect the tension between Ethiopia and Somalia, Yavuz said, "When we look at the map, the desire to reach the sea is a strategic quest for Ethiopia. It is a subject with historical depth. Ethiopia was a colony of Italy. During World War II, Britain dominated the region. The problem between Somalia and Ethiopia and most recently the independence quest of Somaliland are the most important issues of conflict. The recognition of Somaliland by Israel has also turned the matter into a different field of competition. Egypt is also involved in the issue. The fact that Turkey has good relations with both Ethiopia and Somalia creates an environment for it to play a role in reducing tension. The presence of non-state actors also increases the risk of conflict. As a result, there is a danger of war in the region. And it will be there for a long time."

NEO-OTTOMANISM?

Regarding whether the "Neo-Ottoman" ideology has an influence at the root of the visit, Retired Major General Ahmet Yavuz said, "I do not read the emphasis placed on Islam as Neo-Ottomanism. Neo-Ottomanism is more of an approach directed towards Turkey's internal feelings and longings, far from realism. It consists of nothing more than an Islamist fantasy."

News: Cenk BAŞBOĞAOĞLU

News Source: 12punto