The Presidents of Turkiye and Somalia and the Prime Minister of Ethiopia came together under the mediation of Turkiye and took steps to end their disagreements.
President Erdoğan held a joint press conference at the Presidential Complex with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
The two leaders, who came together under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, decided to continue their cooperation in Africa. President Erdoğan hailed Somalian president, Ethiopian premier for 'reaching this historic reconciliation with great dedication' during Ankara-mediated peace talks and said, “By overcoming resentments and misunderstandings, we have taken the first step towards a new beginning based on peace and cooperation between Somalia and Ethiopia. The joint declaration agreed upon will form the basis for cooperation, economic development and regional prosperity based on respect.”
According to Ethiopia-Somalia Ankara Declaration, parties decided to begin technical negotiations with Türkiye's facilitation by end of February 2025, conclude them within four months
After thanking Erdoğan, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud stated that the two countries would protect their common interests. Mahmoud said, “Somalia will be a true friend of Ethiopia.” He stated that they are ready for cooperation and have many prosperous opportunities.
The Ethiopian Prime Minister stated that the talks came together with the initiative taken by President Erdoğan, that they discussed the misunderstandings, and that Ethiopian soldiers have lost their lives for Somalia in the past. He expressed that they are open to cooperation.
Erdoğan raised the issue of Ethiopia opening up to the sea, which is the basis of the two countries' disagreement, and said, “I believe Somalia will help Ethiopia.”
Ethiopia lost its access to the sea when Eritrea gained independence. The country tried to support the outlawed separatist “Somaliland” to reach the sea through them. The Turkish approach brought two nations to solve the problem on the table.
