No breakthrough in Ethiopia-Somalia talks in Turkey

ANKARA, Turkey - The long-awaited mediation brokered by Turkey between Somalia and Ethiopia over a controversial agreement signed by the latter with the breakaway region of Somaliland failed to instantly materialize, following the preliminary meeting in Ankara.

Turkey, one of the friendly nations of the Horn of Africa region has taken the responsibility of easing tensions between the two countries, which have for a long time had diplomatic tiffs. Although the meeting was held, the two countries had to wait for a little long before a solution was reached.

Tensions between the two African countries have simmered since Ethiopia signed a memorandum of understanding with the breakaway region of Somaliland in January, which Somalia denounced as infringing upon its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

In the agreement, Ethiopia would get 20 kilometers of the Red Sea for the construction of a naval base and port within Somalia in exchange for recognition of Somaliland, a state that dissociated itself from Somalia. The move has been opposed by Mogadishu.

The Foreign Minister of Ethiopia, Taye Atske Selassie, and his Somalian counterpart, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, were “able to separately have a candid, cordial and forward-looking exchange” concerning their differences, according to a statement released by the ministry. Turkey's foreign minister, Hakan Fidan, facilitated the talks.

A second round of discussions is planned in the Turkish capital of Ankara on Sept. 2, the Turkish ministry said. Away in Mogadishu, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said the two nations did not hold direct talks in Ankara.

“The ministers of Somalia and Ethiopia reiterated their commitment to the peaceful resolution of differences, and expressed their appreciation to (Turkey) for its facilitation, as well as its constructive contributions,” the statement read.

Somalia and Ethiopia enjoyed peaceful relations prior to Ethiopia's January memorandum with Somaliland. Somalia had threatened to protect her territorial integrity and sovereignty, forcing her to sign defense cooperations with Turkey and the United Arab Emirates in the process.

GAROWE ONLINE