Ethiopia, Somalia reach agreement in Ankara-brokered peace talks, Turkish president says

ISTANBUL

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced Wednesday evening that Ethiopia and Somalia had reached an agreement to resolve the conflict between the two nations in peace talks brokered by Ankara.

“We have taken the first step towards a new beginning based on peace and cooperation between Somalia and Ethiopia,” President Erdogan said at a joint press conference with his Somali counterpart Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Ethiopian Minister Abiy Ahmed.

Erdogan expressed his satisfaction at welcoming his guests and their delegations to Türkiye.

He noted that the Ankara process, launched about eight months ago due to the trust Somalia and Ethiopia placed in Turkey, had reached an important milestone.

“Thus, by overcoming some grievances and misunderstandings together, we have taken the first step towards a new beginning based on peace and cooperation between Somalia and Ethiopia,” he said.

“We have carefully listened to the sensitivities, priorities and expectations of both parties throughout this process. With the valuable contributions of both countries, we have prepared the joint declaration text agreed upon today.”

Erdogan pointed out that despite having faced many injustices and serious conflicts in the past, the region where Somalia and Ethiopia are located also experienced brilliant periods in its history and brought important contributions to humanity.

“This joint declaration focuses not on the past, but on the future, recording the principles on which these two friendly nations will rely moving forward, which is of great importance to us,” he said. he declared.

Ankara's basic expectation is to establish peace and stability “in this distinguished corner” of Africa between Somalia and Ethiopia, he added.

Türkiye believes that the joint declaration agreed between Somalia and Ethiopia will establish a solid foundation for cooperation and prosperity based on mutual respect, he said.

Erdogan said Turkey, Somalia and Ethiopia would together plan next steps and implement projects aimed at strengthening regional peace and prosperity.

He also praised the Somali president and the Ethiopian prime minister for “achieving this historic reconciliation with great dedication” during the Ankara-brokered peace talks.

The Turkish president also expressed his gratitude to Mohamud and Ahmed.

He said he believed Mohamud would provide the necessary attention, care and support, especially in line with Ethiopia's demands for sea access.

“This world is enough for all of us. Together, we will undoubtedly secure our place here, and we will take these steps together,” he said.

Ahmed praised Turkey's efforts to resolve the conflict between Somalia and Ethiopia during the talks.

Mohamud also praised Turkey's efforts to resolve the perennial territorial and political conflict between Somalia and Ethiopia.

Ties between Ethiopia and Somalia have deteriorated since Ethiopia reached a deal with the breakaway Somaliland region on January 1 to use its Red Sea port of Berbera.

Turkey is working to end tensions between the two countries.

Ethiopia lost its Red Sea ports in the early 1990s after the Eritrean War of Independence, which lasted from 1961 to 1991.

In 1991, Eritrea gained independence from Ethiopia, leading to the creation of two separate nations. The separation caused Ethiopia to lose direct access to the Red Sea and its main ports.

Ethiopia has since been landlocked, affecting its ability to conduct efficient maritime trade.

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