Fellow Citizens,

Dear Friends,

I took office as the Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union as of March 15, 2023.

Our political relations with Ethiopia, with which we have deep-rooted historical, social and cultural ties since the 16th century, gained a new dimension in the last period of the Ottoman Empire, culminating with the opening of the Ottoman Consulate General in Harar in 1912. Since then, the relations between the two countries have developed steadily on the basis of mutual respect, friendship and trust. Our Embassy in Addis Ababa, which became operational in 1926, was the first diplomatic representation of the young Republic of Türkiye, founded by the Great Leader Atatürk, in Sub-Saharan Africa.

It will always be a source of pride and happiness for me to serve my first Ambassadorial duty in a Representation with such historical meaning and importance.

Today, the relations between Türkiye and Ethiopia are developing and deepening in every field. Being the second largest foreign investor in the country, Türkiye is determined to improve its relations with Ethiopia through the devoted efforts of its institutions such as the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency, the Turkish Maarif Foundation, and Turkish companies, particularly Turkish Airlines. As Ambassador, my priority will be to spend every effort to further intensify our relations, and to carry deep-rooted cultural ties forward to this end.

Supporting the humanitarian aid activities of Turkish NGOs in Ethiopia constitutes another priority. I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the friendly and brotherly Ethiopian Government as well as humanitarian organizations and its people, who offered a helping hand to heal the wounds of the devastating earthquakes that took place in Türkiye a month ago.

We will also continue our efforts to enhance the quality of consular services provided to our citizens living in Ethiopia.

The Republic of Türkiye is keen on developing its relations with the African Continent meticulously and decisively as a state policy. In this context, the African Union, headquartered in Addis Ababa, undoubtedly plays a key role. The political orientation and priority of our relations with the African Union are determined mutually at regularly held Türkiye-Africa Partnership Summits. In this regard, we are determined to continue our intensive efforts to institutionalize our relations with the African Union in every possible field.

Dear Citizens and Friends,

With these thoughts in mind, I express my desire to meet and cooperate with you.

With my sincere respect and greetings,

Berk Baran

Ambassador