Ethiopia and Somalia have initiated their first technical talks in Turkey to resolve a dispute sparked by an agreement concerning Somaliland. The negotiations focus on balancing Somalia’s territorial claims with Ethiopia’s need for coastal access. The next round of talks is set for March, as Turkey mediates efforts to ensure regional stability.
Ethiopia and Somalia commenced their first round of technical discussions in Turkey, aimed at addressing a dispute arising from a deal between Ethiopia and the self-declared independent region of Somaliland. Turkey’s Foreign Ministry reported that top diplomats, Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos and Somalia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ali Mohamed Omar, engaged in these negotiations in Ankara.
The discord stems from a memorandum of understanding signed by Ethiopia to lease land in Somaliland for establishing a marine base, which Somalia contends violates its sovereignty. This agreement includes Ethiopia’s formal recognition of Somaliland’s independence, a claim that Somalia disputes as part of its territorial integrity.
In December, the leaders of Ethiopia and Somalia convened in Turkey, agreeing on the need for technical talks to find a balanced solution. Both sides expressed their dedication to upholding Somalia’s territorial claims while allowing Ethiopia access to maritime resources. These discussions are crucial for regional stability, particularly as both nations seek to build upon the terms set out in the Ankara Declaration.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry indicated that the delegations began to translate their commitment into concrete steps during this initial meeting. The next session of talks is scheduled for March, as Turkey continues its role as a mediator in the region, having invested significantly in Somalia, including the establishment of its largest overseas military base.
Somaliland remains unrecognized by the African Union and the United Nations, with a population of over 120 million in Ethiopia, the most populous landlocked nation worldwide. The situation demands careful navigation to prevent escalation in their disputes and preserve regional peace.
The ongoing technical talks between Ethiopia and Somalia signify efforts to resolve disputes stemming from the agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland. Critically, the talks reflect a commitment to Somalia’s territorial integrity while seeking to facilitate Ethiopia’s access to maritime resources. As these negotiations progress under Turkey’s mediation, both nations aim to enhance stability in this strategically significant region of the Horn of Africa.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
