19 Aug 2021; MEMO: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he backs a peaceful solution for the Tigray conflict and proposed he operate as mediator, news agencies reported following his meeting with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed yesterday.
The conflict in the Ethiopian Tigray region has led to the death and displacement of tens of thousands and left millions hungry.
"The peace, tranquility and integrity of Ethiopia, which has a strategic location and importance in Africa, is important to us," Erdogan said in a joint press conference with Ahmed in Ankara.
He added: "All the countries in the region will be affected by the worsening of the situation [the conflict in the Tigray region]."
Erdogan went on to propose Turkey mediate between Ethiopia and Sudan to resolve a separate border dispute.
Last week, the Turkish premier hosted General Abdel Fattah Abdelrahman Al-Burhan, chairman of the Sovereignty Council of Sudan.
He told him that Turkey was also prepared to contribute toward a peaceful resolution of the dispute between Ethiopia and Sudan over the Al-Fashaga region.
"We are ready to make any contribution to an amicable resolution of the problem, including mediation," he said.
During Ahmed's stay in Ankara, his delegation signed several agreements, including a military financial cooperation deal.
For his part, Ahmed thanked Erdogan for the "warm reception."
Adding on Twitter: "Thank you to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for warmly receiving my delegation and I to Turkey today. The agreements we have signed are a strengthening of our relations. I appreciate Turkey's support in Ethiopia's continued development and stability."
Later adding tweeted: "Back home after having a precious time with His Excellency, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey. Ethiopia will never forget the critical time cooperation the people and government of Turkey extended to us."
