Ethiopia and Somalia have initiated talks in Ankara, Turkey, following agreements facilitated by President Erdogan. These discussions aim to implement the Ankara Declaration, reaffirming both nations’ commitments to sovereignty and territorial integrity. The talks come amidst previous tensions regarding Ethiopia’s secret agreements with Somalia’s breakaway region of Somaliland and highlight Turkey’s role in mediating the conflict.
Technical teams from the Somali federal government and Ethiopia have commenced discussions in Ankara, Turkey. This development follows formal agreements between Mogadishu and Addis Ababa, facilitated by President Tayyip Erdogan. Daudi Aweis, Somalia’s Minister for Information, reported the teams’ arrival in Ankara to discuss the implementation of the Ankara Declaration, which emerged after a phase of heightened tensions between the two nations.
Aweis emphasized Somalia’s dedication to enhancing peace, cooperation, and diplomatic relations based on mutual respect. These discussions were initiated after a meeting on February 6, 2025, involving Ethiopia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Gedion Timotheos and Turkish Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Burhanettin Duran, where Ethiopia reaffirmed its commitment to the Ankara Accord.
The Accord, signed by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, and President Tayyip Erdogan, underscores their respect for each other’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity. This agreement highlights Ethiopia’s potential for gaining access to the sea, while simultaneously affirming the importance of respecting Somalia’s territorial sovereignty.
Tensions arose when Somalia accused Ethiopia of threatening its territorial integrity following a secret agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland, which allowed Ethiopia exclusive access to the Red Sea for recognition as an independent state. In response, Somalia reinforced its defense pacts with Egypt and Turkey, exacerbating the situation with Ethiopia.
Turkey’s intervention was prompted by its commitment to fostering peace in the Somali region, resulting in the formation of technical teams to assess Ethiopia’s maritime interests from a commercial perspective. Ethiopia plays a pivotal role in maintaining security within Somalia, having deployed numerous troops to support the nation’s peace efforts.
In conclusion, the recent talks in Ankara represent a significant step toward strengthening cooperation between Ethiopia and Somalia. The discussions stem from the Ankara Declaration, which aims to address past tensions and bolster diplomatic relations. With Turkey’s intervention, both nations seek to establish mutual respect for sovereignty while enhancing security and stability in the region.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
