Ethiopia and Somalia have commenced technical discussions to implement the Ankara Declaration, with efforts focused on fostering peace and cooperation. The meetings follow previous diplomatic engagements, emphasizing mutual respect and sovereignty. The agreement seeks to resolve tensions regarding Ethiopia’s sea access while highlighting economic benefits and preserving Somalia’s territorial integrity.
Ethiopia and Somalia have initiated technical negotiations regarding the implementation of the Ankara Declaration, with their first round of discussions held in Ankara, Türkiye. Daud Aweis, Somalia’s Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism, announced on February 17, 2025, via X that he had arrived in Ankara to participate in these talks, which focus on exploring avenues for implementing the declaration. He reaffirmed Somalia’s dedication to fostering peace and enhancing diplomatic relations.
These negotiations followed a meeting between Ethiopia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gedion Timotheos, and Türkiye’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Burhanettin Duran, on February 6, 2025. Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the meeting involved discussions on the technical aspects of the Ankara Declaration. Minister Timotheos expressed Ethiopia’s full commitment to implementing the agreement and extended gratitude to Türkiye for facilitating the tripartite discussions.
The Ankara Declaration was signed by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, and Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. The declaration emphasizes mutual respect for each country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity while recognizing the potential economic benefits for Ethiopia in facilitating ease of sea access. The agreement also highlights the necessity to set aside differences and contentious issues between the nations.
A four-month period has been allotted for technical negotiations on Ethiopia’s access to the sea. The two nations have committed to collaboratively finalizing beneficial commercial arrangements, all under Somalia’s sovereign authority. This agreement follows rising tensions in early 2024, stemming from Ethiopia’s memorandum of understanding with Somaliland regarding coastal leasing, which Somalia viewed as an infringement on its territorial rights.
Following the Ankara Declaration, President Mahamud visited Ethiopia on January 11, 2025. During his visit, he and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed agreed on the restoration of full diplomatic relations. In a joint statement, they committed to enhancing their bilateral ties and directed their diplomatic missions to cooperate on mutually significant matters, stressing the necessity of strong collaboration for regional stability.
In conclusion, Ethiopia and Somalia have embarked on technical negotiations to facilitate the Ankara Declaration, reflecting a commitment to diplomatic relations and regional stability. The agreement underscores both nations’ sovereignty and aims to address previously contentious issues while pursuing mutually beneficial arrangements for sea access. Continued dialogue and cooperation between Ethiopia, Somalia, and Türkiye signal progress toward enhanced regional collaboration.
Original Source: addisstandard.com
