Somalia and Ethiopia’s foreign ministers will meet in Ankara next week to address disputes over a…
Somalia and Ethiopia’s foreign ministers will meet in Ankara next week to address disputes over a port deal.
Earlier this year, Addis Ababa signed an agreement with Somaliland, a region seeking independence.
Turkey is mediating talks after ties strained in January when Ethiopia leased 20 km of Somaliland coastline, seeking independence recognition.
Mogadishu deemed it illegal and expelled the Ethiopian ambassador.
Somalia also threatened to expel Ethiopian troops aiding the fight against insurgents.
Ministers from both nations, along with Turkey’s Fidan, met last month and agreed on further discussions.
At a news conference in Istanbul, Fidan announced another round of talks in Ankara next week.
This follows his visit to Addis Ababa, where he met Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
Fidan highlighted that Somalia and Ethiopia could ease tensions with sea access through Somalia, given Ethiopia respects Somalia’s territorial integrity.
Turkey has strengthened ties with Somalia recently.
