The leaders of Ethiopia and Somalia have reached an agreement to end a nearly year-long bitter dispute after hours of talks in the Turkish capital Ankara on Wednesday.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud arrived in Ankara on Wednesday as two previous rounds of Turkish-brokered talks failed to make significant progress.
A declaration was signed in Ankara between the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the Federal Republic of Somalia with the assistance of Turkey. The declaration enshrines the commitment of both countries to the principles of sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity as stipulated in international law and the UN and African Union charters.
The leaders of the countries reaffirmed their intention to put differences in the past and move towards common prosperity.
“Ethiopia and Somalia also agreed to work closely to conclude mutually beneficial commercial arrangements through bilateral agreements, including through contracts, leases and similar means that will enable the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to benefit from reliable, safe and sustainable access to the sea under the sovereign jurisdiction of the Federal Republic of Somalia,” the declaration said.
Turkey’s support was highly appreciated by both sides. The agreement also stipulates that any differences will be resolved peacefully through dialogue, with Turkey’s participation if necessary. As part of the declaration, it was agreed to start technical negotiations by the end of February 2025 and conclude them within four months.
