Ethiopian Foreign Affairs Minister Gedion Timotheos and Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Burhanettin Duran met on February 6, 2025, to discuss the technical negotiations surrounding the Ankara Declaration. This agreement emphasizes mutual respect for sovereignty and aims to facilitate Ethiopia’s sea access while honoring Somalia’s territorial integrity. Following previous tensions, recent diplomatic efforts between Ethiopia and Somalia aim to enhance regional cooperation. The technical discussions are scheduled to commence in February 2025.
On February 6, 2025, Gedion Timotheos, Ethiopia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, engaged in discussions with Burhanettin Duran, Türkiye’s Deputy Foreign Minister, regarding the forthcoming technical negotiations centered on the implementation of the Ankara Declaration. Both parties exchanged insights on the technical dimensions of the declaration, affirming Ethiopia’s commitment to the agreement and expressing gratitude for Türkiye’s assistance in facilitating a trilateral agreement with Somalia.
The Ankara Declaration, which was signed by Turkish President Erdoğan, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, underscores mutual respect for sovereignty, unity, independence, and territorial integrity. It highlights Ethiopia’s potential benefits from assured sea access while preserving Somalia’s territorial integrity and emphasizes the importance of resolving past differences between the parties.
Technical negotiations concerning Ethiopia’s access to the sea are scheduled to commence in February 2025 and are expected to conclude within four months. Both nations committed to collaborating closely on beneficial commercial arrangements under the jurisdiction of Somalia’s sovereignty.
The declaration emerged against a backdrop of strained Ethiopia-Somalia relations following a controversial MOU between Ethiopia and Somaliland in 2024, which involved leasing a coastal area. This agreement was perceived by Mogadishu as a violation of Somalia’s territorial rights.
Following the Ankara Declaration, President Mohamud visited Ethiopia on January 11, 2025, leading to an agreement with Prime Minister Abiy to restore diplomatic relations and security cooperation, ending a previous lapse in diplomacy. This meeting aimed to strengthen bilateral ties and foster regional stability through increased collaboration in various forums.
The Ankara Declaration represents a significant diplomatic effort to address the complex issues surrounding territorial integrity and sovereign rights in the Horn of Africa. The agreement came in the wake of heightened tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia due to controversial territorial deals involving Somaliland. The declaration aims to pave the way for cooperative engagement focused on Ethiopia’s coastal access while ensuring Somalia’s territorial integrity remains respected. This is particularly crucial for enabling economic development in both nations and enhancing regional security. The technical negotiations will be pivotal in determining the practical aspects of Ethiopia’s access to the sea, which has implications for trade and economic growth. The commitment of both nations to a constructive dialogue illustrates their desire to reconcile past disputes and foster mutual understanding in strategic regional matters.
In summary, the discussions between Ethiopia and Türkiye highlight a critical step forward in the implementation of the Ankara Declaration. The commitment to addressing technical aspects related to Ethiopia’s sea access, while respecting Somalia’s sovereignty, marks a significant diplomatic achievement. This collaboration not only aims to restore Ethiopia-Somalia relations but also fosters a cooperative spirit in the region, focusing on stability and mutual benefits as both nations navigate their complex historical relations.
Original Source: addisstandard.com
