Ethiopia and Somalia have initiated technical talks in Ankara, Turkey, to resolve a dispute over Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland regarding land leases for a marine base. Somalia claims this agreement impinges on its sovereignty. The discussions aim to uphold Somalia’s territorial integrity while allowing Ethiopia access to the sea, with further talks scheduled for March.
Ethiopia and Somalia recently commenced their first round of technical discussions in Ankara, Turkey, aimed at resolving a dispute between the two nations. This dispute emerged following Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland, the breakaway region of Somalia, regarding the establishment of a marine force base along Somaliland’s coastline. While Ethiopia intends to recognize Somaliland’s independence, Somalia contends that this agreement violates its sovereignty.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry confirmed that the delegations from both countries were led by Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos and Somalia’s state minister for foreign affairs, Ali Mohamed Omar. In a previous meeting held in December, leaders from both nations agreed to initiate these negotiations to protect Somalia’s territorial claims while accommodating Ethiopia’s need for maritime access. The Turkish Ministry noted the delegations’ commitment to the principles outlined in the Ankara Declaration and the need to turn these discussions into actionable outcomes.
The next phase of discussions is scheduled to take place in March, as Turkey continues to serve as a mediator amidst rising concerns about potential conflict in the volatile Horn of Africa region. Turkey has vested interests in Somalia, including significant investments and its largest military base outside its borders. Furthermore, Somaliland’s status remains contentious, as it declared independence from Somalia over thirty years ago but lacks international recognition as a sovereign state.
In conclusion, the technical talks between Ethiopia and Somalia in Turkey signify a significant effort to address ongoing disputes stemming from Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland. With facilitated negotiations aimed at balancing territorial integrity and access to the sea, both nations are working towards enhancing diplomatic relations and stability in the region. The next discussions set for March will be crucial in determining the path forward for both countries.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
