Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi and Ethiopian Foreign Minister Taye Atskeselassie held a round of talks in Ankara, mediated by Turkey, to address and resolve disputes between their countries. The discussions took place at the invitation of Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.
"The [Ethiopian and Somali] foreign ministers, mediated by Turkey, were able to have a frank, warm, and forward-looking exchange of views on the existing differences and explore the prospects of resolving them in a mutually acceptable approach," stated a joint release from the Turkish Foreign Ministry. The statement emphasized that the Somali and Ethiopian ministers reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful resolution of their differences and expressed gratitude for Turkey's facilitation and constructive contribution. The ministers agreed to continue their dialogue and aim for regional stability, with a follow-up meeting scheduled in Ankara on September 2, 2024.
Previously, Reuters reported that Turkey would mediate discussions between Somalia and Ethiopia, particularly concerning the contentious issue of leasing seaports. Tensions escalated when Addis Ababa signed an agreement with the unrecognized state of Somaliland to lease seaports, a move Mogadishu deemed illegal, prompting the recall of its ambassador to Ethiopia.
On January 1, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somaliland President Bihi Abdi signed a memorandum of understanding to secure Ethiopia's access to seaports. According to the Addis Standard, Somaliland offered Ethiopia the chance to establish a naval base in exchange for recognition as a sovereign state. Somali authorities contend that this memorandum violates their sovereignty, with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud stating that Mogadishu would not hesitate to take action against Addis Ababa over the agreement.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Based on materials from TASS