Somalia and Ethiopia thanked Türkiye for mediating a resolution to their dispute during a press conference in Ankara. The agreement aims to foster cooperation and enhance relations after Ethiopia’s recent port agreement with Somaliland had escalated tensions. Both leaders underscored the shared history and need for ongoing collaboration for peace and prosperity in the region.
On Wednesday, Somalia and Ethiopia publicly expressed their gratitude to Türkiye for its pivotal role in mediating a resolution to a prolonged dispute between the two nations. In a press conference held in Ankara, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan alongside Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud announced the successful conclusion of the Türkiye-mediated peace talks. Mohamud remarked on this development as an important faltering point to end the ongoing discord, emphasizing that the resolution would foster cooperation and mutual benefit for both countries.
The deteriorating relations between Ethiopia and Somalia stemmed from Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland to utilize the Berbera port, aggravating tensions further. Türkiye’s active diplomatic engagement aimed at de-escalating these tensions has been essential, particularly after Ethiopia lost its access to Red Sea ports following the Eritrean War of Independence in the early 1990s. Since then, Ethiopia has been landlocked, which has adversely affected its maritime trade operations.
During the press conference, President Mohamud underscored the importance of peace and stability in the Horn of Africa, declaring Somalia’s commitment to being a steadfast ally of Ethiopia. He stated, “We are grateful for Türkiye’s efforts. Somalia will be a true friend of Ethiopia, now and in the years to come.” He also highlighted the shared sacrifices of Ethiopian forces in supporting Somalia, reaffirming the interconnectedness of their peoples.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Ahmed extended his gratitude to Türkiye for its instrumental role in fostering dialogue and reconciliation between the two nations. Ahmed noted, “We are not just neighboring countries, we are brothers. We share a blood bond, and our destinies are intertwined.” He emphasized the significance of their shared history, culture, and mutual sacrifices, stressing the need for continued cooperation towards peace and development in the region.
The resolve shown by both leaders reflects their mutual commitment to overcome their differences, with Mohamud and Ahmed reiterating the paramount need for regional stability and integration in the Horn of Africa, where instability has profound implications for both nations involved.
The topic of this article revolves around the recent diplomatic efforts by Türkiye to mediate a resolution between Somalia and Ethiopia, two neighboring countries with a history of tensions largely rooted in territorial and trading disputes. The relationship deteriorated significantly following Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland for port access, which aggravated tensions with Somalia. Understanding Ethiopia’s landlocked situation since the Eritrean independence and its implications for trade adds depth to the current context. Türkiye’s role as a facilitator in peace talks reflects its increasing influence in regional geopolitics and diplomacy in the Horn of Africa.
The resolution of the dispute between Somalia and Ethiopia, facilitated by Türkiye, marks a crucial development in stabilizing the Horn of Africa. Both nations expressed a renewed commitment to partnership, emphasizing their shared history and the necessity of cooperation for peace and development. This mediation underlines the role of international support in resolving regional conflicts and the significant impact of diplomatic engagement on fostering harmony among neighboring countries.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
