Ethiopia, Somalia Reach Agreement In Ankara
(MENAFN- AzerNews)
By News Centre
Turkiye is actively engaged in resolving the crisis between
Somalia and Ethiopia concerning Somaliland. Recently, the foreign
ministers of both countries met with Turkish Minister of Foreign
Affairs Hakan Fidan in Ankara and signed a memorandum of
understanding to address the issue. Turkiye was acknowledged and
thanked in the joint statement. The second round of talks is
scheduled for September 2.
Turkiye assuming responsibility as a key mediator in
international crises, has initiated diplomatic efforts to overcome
the Somalia-Ethiopia crisis. During their recent visit to Turkiye,
the foreign ministers of Somalia and Ethiopia signed a joint
memorandum expressing mutual commitment to resolving their
differences. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan noted progress in
discussions between Ethiopian Foreign Minister Taye Atske Selassie
and Somali Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister
Ahmed Muallim Fiqi, announcing the upcoming second round of talks
on September 2. Fidan expressed satisfaction at Turkiye's
facilitative role, citing deep-rooted relations and extensive
cooperation with Ethiopia and Somalia.
Fidan emphasized Turkiye's dedication to peace, diplomacy, and
goodwill, underscoring the parties' high trust in Turkiye and
President Erdoğan. He highlighted thorough discussions among
delegations, acknowledging both sides' sensitivity to the
issues.
Following Fidan's remarks, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
issued the "Joint Ankara Statement" detailing talks facilitated by
Turkiye between Ethiopia and Somalia. According to the statement,
the foreign ministers exchanged views on their differences in a
sincere, friendly, and forward-looking manner, developing
perspectives within a mutually acceptable framework. Both ministers
reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful resolution and thanked
Turkiye for its facilitation and constructive contributions.
According to diplomatic sources, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy
Ahmed and Somaliland President Musa Bihi Abdi signed a Memorandum
of Understanding on January 1, granting Ethiopia rights over 20
kilometers of Somaliland's coastline for 50 years and access to
Berbera Port. This move, including Ethiopia's recognition of
Somaliland, triggered strong reactions from Somalia, escalating
tensions. Ethiopian authorities later clarified that formal
recognition of Somaliland was not currently under consideration. On
May 8, President Erdoğan received Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy
Ahmed's special envoy Mulatu Teshome Wirtu and Foreign Minister
Taye Atske Selassie, who delivered a letter from Prime Minister
Ahmed requesting Turkiye's mediation between Somalia and
Ethiopia.
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