Ethiopia and Somalia have signed a historic agreement in Turkey, granting Ethiopia access to the sea through Somali territory. This accord, named the Ankara Declaration, aims to enhance regional cooperation, affirm mutual respect for sovereignty, and promote economic prosperity. Technical negotiations will begin soon, with Turkey facilitating the process amidst previous tensions related to Somaliland and Egypt’s concerns over Ethiopia’s development projects.
Ethiopia has successfully gained a route to the sea by securing an agreement with Somalia, which has been established in the Turkish capital. This landmark accord, referred to as the Ankara Declaration, was negotiated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during a meeting between Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. The agreement emphasizes mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity while addressing historical tensions and aiming for cooperative economic prosperity.
Through this deal, Ethiopia intends to alleviate its long-standing dependency on Djibouti for maritime access, a situation that has persisted since Eritrea’s independence in the 1990s. The Ankara Declaration allows Ethiopia secure and sustainable maritime access, while Somalia’s recognition of this arrangement aims to enhance regional cooperation. Both nations have underscored the importance of working collaboratively towards finalizing pragmatic commercial agreements for their mutual benefit, and technical discussions are expected to commence soon.
The accords come against the backdrop of previous tensions, particularly following Ethiopia’s memorandum with Somaliland, which had caused significant objections from the Somali government and Egypt. In a show of support for Somalia, Turkey has offered mediation services throughout the negotiation process, aspiring to strengthen relations amidst regional uncertainties.
Ultimately, the collaboration signified by the Ankara Declaration represents a pivotal moment in enhancing Ethiopia’s trade capabilities and commercial options—a critical step toward fostering both economic growth and regional stability.
The agreement between Ethiopia and Somalia is significant as it enables Ethiopia, the most populous landlocked country globally, to secure access to the sea. Historically, Ethiopia lost its direct maritime access after Eritrea’s secession. Dependence on Djibouti has been a major hurdle for Ethiopian trade. Reestablishing access via Somalia brings forth opportunities for economic rejuvenation. The role of Turkey as a mediator is also crucial, given its strategic interests in promoting stability in the Horn of Africa and enhancing its influence in regional affairs.
In conclusion, the Ankara Declaration marks a landmark agreement that not only facilitates Ethiopia’s much-needed access to maritime routes but also reaffirms Somalia’s territorial integrity. The cooperation established through this deal represents a potential shift towards greater stability and shared economic interests in the region. As technical negotiations progress, there exists a hopeful prospect for enhanced relations and improved trade dynamics, which could transform the economic landscape of both nations.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
