The U.S. welcomed a new agreement between Somalia and Ethiopia aimed at reducing tensions over maritime access. The deal, facilitated by Turkiye, ensures that Ethiopia gains sea access while respecting Somalia’s sovereignty, following previous conflicts arising from Ethiopia’s arrangement with Somaliland. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized support for both nations’ territorial integrity and encouraged cooperation against mutual security threats.
The United States expressed its approval regarding the recent agreement between Ethiopia and Somalia aimed at reducing regional tensions stemming from Ethiopia’s interest in maritime access. This followed a contentious arrangement reached in January, wherein Ethiopia sought to lease coastline from Somaliland, a region that declared independence from Somalia in 1991. However, Turkiye, which facilitated discussions between the two nations, announced a new deal ensuring Ethiopia’s access to the sea while respecting Somalia’s sovereignty. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken welcomed this development, highlighting the importance of respecting both nations’ territorial integrity during forthcoming negotiations. Furthermore, he acknowledged Turkiye’s role in brokering the agreement and encouraged both Ethiopia and Somalia to enhance their efforts in addressing shared security challenges, particularly the threat posed by Al-Shabab.
The relationship between Ethiopia and Somalia has been historically fraught with tension, particularly due to territorial disputes and concerns over maritime access. The situation intensified in January when Ethiopia struck a deal with Somaliland, which included provisions for a port and military base on the coastline, leading Somalia to perceive this as an infringement on its sovereignty. Turkiye’s involvement as a mediator highlights the strategic interests of regional powers in stabilizing the Horn of Africa and mitigating potential conflicts.
In conclusion, the recent agreement between Ethiopia and Somalia marks a significant step towards reducing regional tensions. The U.S. government has demonstrated its support for the accord, while also stressing the necessity of respecting the sovereignty of Somalia during future negotiations. This collaboration underlines the importance of regional cooperation against mutual security threats and the vital role played by mediators like Turkiye in fostering understanding between conflicting parties.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com