Ethiopia and Somalia commenced their first round of technical talks in Ankara, Turkey, mediated by Turkey, to address a dispute arising from Ethiopia’s deal with Somaliland. Both nations aim to maintain Somalia’s territorial integrity while allowing Ethiopia access to coastal resources. Further discussions are scheduled for March as part of this ongoing diplomatic engagement.
Ethiopia and Somalia engaged in the initial round of technical discussions in Ankara, Turkey, aimed at addressing a dispute stemming from Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland, an autonomous region in Somalia. This dialogue was deemed necessary following tensions over a memorandum of understanding that allowed Ethiopia to lease land along Somaliland’s coast for a marine base, potentially recognizing Somaliland’s independence, which Somalia contests.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry reported that Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos and Somalia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ali Mohamed Omar, led their respective delegations during these preliminary negotiations. Both parties have expressed dedication to uphold the principles outlined in the Ankara Declaration from their December meeting, which sought a resolution preserving Somalia’s territorial integrity while granting Ethiopia coastal access.
The Turkish Ministry confirmed that another round of discussions is scheduled for March, emphasizing Turkey’s role as a mediator in the ongoing situation. Turkey has significant investments in Somalia, including its largest military base abroad. Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia over three decades ago, remains unrecognized by both the African Union and the United Nations, with Somalia maintaining its claim over the territory.
The initial discussions between Ethiopia and Somalia represent a critical step towards resolving ongoing territorial disputes influenced by Ethiopia’s arrangement with Somaliland. While progress is underway, the following rounds of negotiations in March will be crucial in determining the relationship dynamics and overall stability in the Horn of Africa region.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
