Somalia and Ethiopia publicly thanked Türkiye for mediating their year-old dispute during a press conference in Ankara. Both leaders highlighted the importance of peace and cooperation, emphasizing their shared ties and common interests for regional development. The agreement reached signifies a hopeful resolution and sets the stage for closer collaboration between the nations moving forward.
On Wednesday, Somalia and Ethiopia expressed heartfelt appreciation to Türkiye for its mediating role in resolving a long-standing dispute between the two nations. During a press conference held in Ankara, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, alongside Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, announced an agreement reached through Türkiye-facilitated peace talks. President Mohamud remarked, “In one sense, this is an ending, because it brings an end to our dispute,” reinforcing the significance of this diplomatic breakthrough.
Relations between Somalia and Ethiopia had soured following Ethiopia’s deal with Somaliland regarding the utilization of the Berbera port, resulting in heightened tensions. Since losing access to the Red Sea ports in the early 1990s due to the Eritrean War of Independence, Ethiopia has relied on terrestrial routes for trade, limiting its maritime capabilities. Türkiye’s involvement showcased its commitment to fostering stability in the Horn of Africa region amid these tensions.
President Mohamud emphasized the shared aspirations of both nations by stating, “We are grateful for Türkiye’s efforts. Somalia will be a true friend of Ethiopia, now and in the years to come.” He highlighted the importance of peace and regional stability as primary objectives for both countries and expressed Somalia’s readiness to collaborate closely with Ethiopia to promote mutual interests.
Acknowledging the collaborative history of the two nations, Prime Minister Ahmed conveyed gratitude towards Türkiye’s intervention and articulated the deep-rooted ties between Ethiopia and Somalia, stating, “We are not just neighboring countries, we are brothers. We share a blood bond, and our destinies are intertwined.” He reflected on the historical sacrifices made for each nation’s security, further emphasizing their interconnected destinies.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Ahmed reiterated Ethiopia’s commitment to regional integration and called for ongoing dialogue. He underscored the significance of their familial connections, affirming that the dialogue should continue to promote peace and development in the region, thereby creating a hopeful trajectory for both nations moving forward.
The dispute between Somalia and Ethiopia, which had persisted for nearly a year, primarily stemmed from Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland concerning the use of the Berbera port. Ethiopia has been landlocked since Eritrea’s independence in 1991, adversely affecting its maritime commerce capabilities. Türkiye’s involvement in mediating peace talks reflects an ongoing initiative to alleviate tensions in the Horn of Africa and promote regional cooperation, which are vital for economic stability and security in East Africa.
In conclusion, the recent agreement reached between Somalia and Ethiopia, facilitated by Türkiye, marks a significant step towards restoring peace and cooperation in the Horn of Africa. Both nations have expressed a firm commitment to bolster diplomatic relations, recognizing their intertwined destinies and historical connections. The mutual appreciation toward Türkiye reflects an important diplomatic milestone for regional stability, fostering an environment conducive to collaboration and growth.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
