The United States welcomed a new agreement between Somalia and Ethiopia, facilitated by Turkiye, aimed at providing Ethiopia with maritime access while respecting Somalia’s sovereignty. Secretary Antony Blinken highlighted the importance of the deal and anticipated forthcoming negotiations to clarify Ethiopia’s access rights and enhance cooperation against security threats, particularly from Al-Shabab.
On Thursday, the United States expressed its support for the agreement reached between Somalia and Ethiopia aimed at ameliorating regional tensions stemming from Ethiopia’s pursuit of maritime access. The discord intensified after Ethiopia negotiated a deal in January with Somaliland, a self-declared independent region, for leasing a coastal area for a port and military base. However, a breakthrough occurred when Turkiye, a key regional player, facilitated talks resulting in a deal that ensures “reliable, safe and sustainable access” to the sea for Ethiopia under the sovereignty of Somalia.
United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken lauded the December 11 Declaration, which reinforced the sovereignty and territorial integrity of both nations. He expressed anticipation for the forthcoming technical negotiations that will delineate Ethiopia’s access to the coast while upholding Somalia’s territorial rights. Concerns arose previously when Somalia denounced the original Ethiopian-Somaliland agreement as a breach of its sovereignty, raising fears of escalating conflict within a volatile region.
Moreover, Blinken acknowledged Turkiye’s role in facilitating the new accord while simultaneously engaging with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on broader regional issues. He stressed the importance of cooperation between Ethiopia and Somalia for mutual security, particularly in combating the threats posed by the Al-Shabab militant group.
The ongoing tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia primarily stem from Ethiopia’s geographic limitations as a landlocked nation. Historically reliant on neighboring countries for maritime access, Ethiopia’s recent negotiations with Somaliland increased friction with Somalia, which considers such agreements as threats to its territorial sovereignty. With the involvement of Turkiye in brokering discussions, this new agreement represents a significant step toward stabilizing relations and enhancing cooperative security measures between the two nations.
The United States’ endorsement of the Ethiopia-Somalia agreement is a crucial diplomatic move aimed at mitigating regional tensions and fostering collaborative efforts against common security threats. As both nations prepare for technical negotiations on Ethiopia’s maritime access, the focus remains on respecting Somalia’s sovereignty. The role of Turkiye in this diplomatic breakthrough underscores the significance of regional cooperation in addressing complex geopolitical challenges.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
