Ethiopia and Somalia have commenced technical talks on the Ankara Declaration in Ankara, Türkiye. The discussions strive to implement an agreement focused on mutual respect for sovereignty and Ethiopia’s access to the sea. The negotiations arise from earlier diplomatic engagement and recent tensions regarding territorial disputes, ultimately enhancing bilateral relations and regional stability.
Ethiopia and Somalia have initiated technical talks aimed at implementing the Ankara Declaration, with initial discussions convened in Ankara, Türkiye. Somalia’s Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism, Daud Aweis, confirmed his presence in Ankara through a post on X, emphasizing Somalia’s commitment to fostering peace, enhancing cooperation, and developing diplomatic relations based on mutual respect.
The negotiations are a consequence of earlier discussions held between Ethiopia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gedion Timotheos, and Türkiye’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Burhanettin Duran, on February 6, 2025. Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that the two parties exchanged insights regarding the technical aspects of the agreement, with Gedion expressing Ethiopia’s dedication to fully implementing the deal and appreciating Türkiye’s role in facilitating the tripartite arrangement.
The Ankara Declaration, signed by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, and Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, underscores mutual respect for sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. The agreement aims to provide Ethiopia with consistent access to the sea while respecting Somalia’s territorial integrity and highlights a commitment to address contentious issues constructively.
The declaration stipulates a four-month period for technical negotiations focused on Ethiopia’s sea access, with both nations agreeing to collaboratively finalize commercially beneficial arrangements under Somalia’s sovereign authority. This dialogue follows heightened tensions in early 2024 when Ethiopia’s memorandum with Somaliland raised concerns about Somalia’s territorial sovereignty.
Subsequent to the Ankara Declaration, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia visited Ethiopia on January 11, 2025, where he and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed committed to restoring full diplomatic relations. A joint communiqué issued emphasized a strengthened bilateral relationship through complete diplomatic representation and cooperation on shared interests, signaling a strategic partnership aimed at regional stability.
Ethiopia and Somalia are currently engaged in technical negotiations to implement the Ankara Declaration, focusing on improving diplomatic relations and addressing key territorial issues. The agreement emphasizes mutual respect for sovereignty and aims to secure Ethiopia’s access to the sea while considering Somalia’s territorial integrity. Progress post the Ankara Declaration indicates a commitment to enhancing regional stability through restored diplomatic ties.
Original Source: addisstandard.com
