Ethiopia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mesganu Arga, confirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to the Ankara Agreement following discussions with Somali officials. The meetings centered on rebuilding bilateral relations and ensuring effective implementation of the agreement. The Ankara Declaration emphasizes respect for sovereignty amid previous tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia.
Ambassador Mesganu Arga, the State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, reaffirmed Ethiopia’s dedication to fully implementing the Ankara Agreement during a meeting with a Somali delegation, headed by Ali Omar, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Somalia. The discussions, which took place in Addis Ababa on December 23, 2024, aimed at strengthening diplomatic ties and ensuring effective execution of the Ankara Agreement, marking the first official working visit from Somalia since the Accord’s signing.
The Ankara Declaration, which was established in Ankara by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, and Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, emphasizes mutual respect for sovereignty, unity, independence, and territorial integrity. Ambassador Mesganu highlighted the significance of sustained cooperation, stating, “peace in Somalia is peace for Ethiopia,” while stressing the imperative of collaborative efforts to maintain stability and combat terrorism in the region.
The dialogue was deemed “fruitful” by Ali Omar, who expressed Somalia’s commitment to uphold the Ankara Agreement to enhance collaboration with Ethiopia. This Agreement comes in the context of previously strained relations, following Ethiopia’s signing of a MoU with Somaliland that was perceived as a challenge to Somalia’s territorial sovereignty. The Ankara Declaration, positively received by international bodies including the African Union, aims to reconcile differences and foster enhanced cooperation between the two nations. Following this, President Erdoğan is expected to visit Ethiopia and Somalia in early 2025.
In late 2024, diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and Somalia were under scrutiny after tensions arose due to Ethiopia’s acknowledgment of Somaliland’s independence, which was seen as a breach of Somalia’s territorial integrity. The Ankara Agreement was designed to reaffirm the relationship between Ethiopia and Somalia, with the support of Turkey, thus aiming to put aside previous contentions in favor of a collective approach to peace and stability in the Horn of Africa. This agreement comes at a crucial time as both nations strive to foster closer ties against the backdrop of regional instability and security challenges.
The recent discussions between Ethiopia and Somalia, underscored by the commitment to the Ankara Agreement, signify a pivotal moment in their bilateral relations. The mutual pledges to respect sovereignty and territorial integrity, coupled with a strong focus on cooperation and peacebuilding, indicate a promising direction for future collaborations. This diplomatic engagement, hailed by international observers, is a step towards restoring unity in the region and overcoming historical disputes.
Original Source: addisstandard.com
