Turkey Brokers Historic Ankara Declaration: Ethiopia and Somalia Resolve Somaliland Dispute, Plan Sea Access Talks

Dec 11, 2024, 08:49 PM

Turkey has successfully mediated a historic reconciliation between Ethiopia and Somalia, resulting in the signing of the "Ankara Declaration" to resolve longstanding disputes, including issues over the breakaway state of Somaliland. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hosted Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Ankara on December 11, 2024, where the leaders held talks and a joint press conference. Under the Ankara Declaration, both nations committed to respect each other's sovereignty, unity, independence, and territorial integrity. They agreed to abandon differences and contentious issues, moving decisively towards common prosperity. The declaration includes plans to begin technical negotiations, facilitated by Turkey, by the end of February 2025, aiming to conclude them within four months. A key focus is to provide Ethiopia with secure access to the sea through Somalia's coastline, while respecting Somalia's territorial integrity. President Erdogan hailed the agreement as "historic," stating, "We take the first step toward a new beginning based on peace between Somalia and Ethiopia." Both leaders expressed gratitude to Erdogan and Turkey for their mediation efforts. The consensus is expected to create a solid foundation for cooperation and mutual respect, contributing to regional peace.