Diplomatic Mediation: Turkey Facilitates Talks between Somalia and Ethiopia on Controversial Port Deal

Somalia and Ethiopia are set to hold further discussions in Ankara about a controversial port deal involving the breakaway region of Somaliland. The negotiations, mediated by Turkey, aim to alleviate tensions that arose after Ethiopia's agreement with Somaliland led to diplomatic escalations with Somalia.

The foreign ministers of Somalia and Ethiopia are scheduled for another round of discussions in Ankara next week, focusing on disagreements over a port deal that Ethiopia signed with Somaliland earlier this year, according to Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.

Tensions between the East African neighbors peaked when Ethiopia agreed to lease 20 km of coastline from the breakaway region of Somaliland in exchange for recognizing its independence, an agreement Somalia deems illegal. In response, Mogadishu expelled the Ethiopian ambassador and threatened the presence of Ethiopian troops in the country.

Fidan, speaking at a news conference in Istanbul, emphasized the importance of resolving these tensions, noting that peace hinges on Ethiopia's access to Somali seas and its recognition of Somalia's territorial integrity. This meeting follows Turkey's increasing involvement in Somalia, including substantial investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and defense.

(With inputs from agencies.)