Somalia and Ethiopia thanked Türkiye for mediating a year-long dispute during a press conference in Ankara. An agreement reached indicates a resolution, aiming for improved relations and cooperation between the nations. Both leaders emphasized shared interests and the importance of peace and stability in the Horn of Africa, acknowledging historical ties and sacrifices made by Ethiopian forces in Somalia.
On Wednesday, Somalia and Ethiopia publicly expressed their appreciation to Türkiye for its instrumental role in mediating a nearly year-long dispute between the two nations. The announcement came during a press conference in Ankara, where Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud revealed an agreement achieved through Türkiye-facilitated peace talks. As President Mohamud stated, this resolution signifies the conclusion of their longstanding conflict and opens avenues for future collaboration.
The relationship between Ethiopia and Somalia had notably deteriorated following Ethiopia’s agreement with the self-declared Somaliland region allowing access to the Berbera port. Türkiye, recognizing the tension stemming from Ethiopia’s landlocked status, has continually sought to ameliorate relations. Ethiopia lost its access to the Red Sea in the early 1990s after Eritrea’s independence war, leading to significant implications for its trade capabilities.
In his remarks, President Mohamud emphasized the importance of cooperation, saying, “We are grateful for Türkiye’s efforts. Somalia will be a true friend of Ethiopia, now and in the years to come.” He recognized the sacrifices made by Ethiopian forces in Somalia and reiterated that both nations have much in common despite their past tensions. He expressed enthusiasm for future collaboration focused on peace and stability in the Horn of Africa.
Prime Minister Ahmed echoed these sentiments, thanking Türkiye for facilitating dialogue and emphasizing the familial bond between Ethiopia and Somalia. He remarked, “We are not just neighboring countries, we are brothers. We share a blood bond, and our destinies are intertwined,” highlighting their shared history and cultural ties. Ahmed acknowledged the commitment of Ethiopian soldiers to Somalia’s security and reaffirmed their shared vision for regional stability and development.
The dialogue’s positive outcomes have set the stage for a renewed partnership focused on mutual development and cooperation, suggesting an optimistic future for Ethiopia-Somalia relations.
The longstanding relationship between Ethiopia and Somalia has been historically complex, marked by periods of conflict and cooperation. Ethiopia, having lost access to crucial Red Sea ports following Eritrea’s independence, has been landlocked since the early 1990s, impacting its trade and security strategies. In recent years, rising tensions initiated when Ethiopia engaged in a port deal with Somaliland contributed to discord. Türkiye has emerged as a diplomatic intermediary, striving to foster peace and stability in the Horn of Africa, facilitating a resolution to long-standing disputes between the two neighbors.
Somalia and Ethiopia’s expressions of gratitude towards Türkiye underscore the significance of third-party mediation in resolving regional conflicts. With a newfound commitment to partnership, the leaders are keen to focus on shared interests, emphasizing peace and stability in the region. The acknowledgment of mutual sacrifices further illustrates the interconnectedness of their peoples, marking a hopeful chapter in their bilateral relations.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
