Ankara, February 19, 2025 – The Europe Today: Türkiye has facilitated the first round of technical negotiations between Somalia and Ethiopia, marking a significant step toward implementing the Ankara Declaration, the Turkish Foreign Ministry announced.
The talks, held in Ankara on Tuesday, were conducted under the auspices of Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and brought together delegations led by Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos and Somali State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ali Mohamed Omar. These negotiations follow the Ankara Declaration, brokered on December 11, 2024, by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan after high-level discussions between Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
Strengthening Regional Stability and Cooperation
The Ankara Declaration outlines a framework for fostering regional stability and economic cooperation, particularly amid ongoing tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia. During the negotiations, both delegations reaffirmed their commitment to constructive dialogue and cooperation in line with the principles of the declaration.
The discussions focused on translating this vision into concrete initiatives aimed at enhancing diplomatic, economic, and political collaboration between the two nations. The delegations emphasized the need to establish sustainable mechanisms for addressing mutual concerns and advancing long-term regional development.
Commitment to Sustainable Development
As the first round of negotiations concluded, both parties reiterated their determination to establish a foundation for mutually beneficial and sustainable development. The Turkish Foreign Ministry underscored Türkiye’s unwavering commitment to supporting the peace process and facilitating further discussions between Somalia and Ethiopia.
The next round of technical negotiations is scheduled to take place in March 2025, with Ankara continuing to provide diplomatic support to ensure the progress of talks. This mediation effort comes at a crucial time as tensions persist over Ethiopia’s access to the Somali coastline, a matter that has heightened diplomatic sensitivities in recent months.
Türkiye’s Role in African Diplomacy
By mediating these negotiations, Türkiye reaffirms its role as a key diplomatic actor in Africa, advocating dialogue and cooperation as viable alternatives to conflict. Ankara’s engagement in the peace process is expected to be instrumental in guiding Somalia and Ethiopia toward a stable and prosperous future.
With its longstanding commitment to stability in the Horn of Africa, Türkiye remains dedicated to fostering diplomatic solutions and enhancing regional security through continued dialogue and strategic partnerships.
