ANKARA, Turkey – The leaders of Somalia and Ethiopia have reaffirmed their dedication to mutual respect and cooperation. This milestone was marked by the Ankara Declaration, facilitated by the Republic of Türkiye, throughout a high-level assembly on December 11, 2024, hosted by Turkish President H.E. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
The assembly introduced collectively H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, and H.E. Abiy Ahmed Ali, Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. Carried out in a cordial and constructive ambiance, the discussions enabled a frank alternate of views, setting a optimistic tone for future collaboration.
Each leaders reiterated their dedication to the rules of sovereignty, unity, independence, and territorial integrity, as outlined in worldwide legislation, the United Nations Constitution, and the Constitutive Act of the African Union. Emphasizing a spirit of friendship and mutual respect, they pledged to put aside variations and contentious points, focusing as a substitute on shared prosperity and cooperation.
Somalia acknowledged the sacrifices of Ethiopian troopers inside the African Union Missions, recognizing their contributions to regional stability. Each events highlighted the potential advantages of Ethiopia’s assured entry to and from the ocean, whereas respecting Somalia’s territorial integrity.
A key consequence of the assembly was the settlement to finalize mutually useful industrial preparations. These preparations, to be performed by means of bilateral agreements, together with contracts and leases, will guarantee Ethiopia enjoys dependable, safe, and sustainable entry to the ocean, below Somalia’s sovereign authority. Technical negotiations for these functions are set to start by the tip of February 2025 and are anticipated to conclude inside 4 months, with Türkiye’s facilitation.
The leaders welcomed Türkiye’s help in implementing these commitments, pledging to resolve any variations by means of dialogue and peaceable means, with continued help from President Erdoğan. The Turkish President’s ongoing dedication to the method was met with deep appreciation from each Somalia and Ethiopia.
