The second round of Turkish-mediated negotiations between Somalia and Ethiopia over a contentious port agreement signed by Addis Ababa with Somaliland concluded on Tuesday without a definitive resolution.
Despite the lack of a deal, officials from both countries, along with Turkey, expressed optimism about the progress made.
The talks, held in Ankara, aimed to mend strained relations between the neighboring East African nations.
Tensions escalated in January when Ethiopia agreed to lease 20 kilometers (12 miles) of coastline from Somaliland, a region that declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but lacks international recognition. In exchange for the lease, Ethiopia would recognize Somaliland’s independence.
Mogadishu declared the agreement illegal, responding by expelling the Ethiopian ambassador and threatening to remove thousands of Ethiopian troops currently stationed in Somalia to assist in combating Islamist insurgents.
During the Ankara negotiations, the Ethiopian and Somali foreign ministers did not engage in direct discussions. Instead, Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan acted as an intermediary, shuttling between the two sides.
Fidan reported that the scope of issues discussed had expanded significantly since the first round of talks. “We have seen convergence on some major principles, which marks notable progress,” he said at a news conference. He also announced that a third round of talks is scheduled to begin on September 17, with the goal of achieving a “sustainable and viable” agreement.
Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi Ahmed confirmed that progress had been made, emphasizing that Mogadishu seeks an outcome consistent with international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. “As we prepare for the third round of talks, we are hopeful that the momentum we have built will lead to a final solution,” Ahmed stated.
Ethiopian Foreign Minister Taye Atske Selassie also expressed optimism, stating that Ethiopia looks forward to “continued engagement that will ultimately help us resolve current differences and restore normal relations.”
A spokesperson for Somaliland, which has enjoyed relative peace and stability since its declaration of independence but still struggles to gain international recognition, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
