ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — Turkey on Monday mediated talks between Somalia and Ethiopia to ease diplomatic tensions between the East African neighbors, Turkey’s Foreign Ministry said.
Tensions between the two African countries have increased since Ethiopia signed a memorandum of understanding with the breakaway region of Somaliland in January, which Somalia denounced as a violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The memorandum was intended to allow Ethiopia access to the sea through Somaliland and in return, Ethiopia would recognize Somaliland as an independent country.
Ethiopian Foreign Minister Taye Atske Selassie and his Somali counterpart, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, were “able to separately have a sincere, cordial and forward-looking exchange” over their differences, according to a statement released by the ministry. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan facilitated the negotiations.
A second round of discussions is planned in the Turkish capital Ankara on September 2, the Turkish ministry said.
“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 had peaceful relations before Ethiopia’s January memorandum with Somaliland.
