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The tensions arose after Ethiopia signed a memorandum of understanding with the breakaway region of Somaliland in January, which Somalia condemned as a violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Turkey mediated talks between Somalia and Ethiopia to ease diplomatic tensions between the two African neighbours. This was revealed by the Turkish Foreign Ministry recently.
The Foreign Minister of Ethiopia, Taye Atske Selassie, and his Somalian counterpart, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, had a candid and forward-looking exchange concerning their differences. The discussions were facilitated by Turkey’s foreign minister, Hakan Fidan.
The tensions arose after Ethiopia signed a memorandum of understanding with the breakaway region of Somaliland in January, which Somalia condemned as a violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity. www.trendsnafrica.com has carried several stories in this regard.
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The memorandum aimed to grant Ethiopia access to the sea through Somaliland in exchange for Ethiopia recognizing Somaliland as an independent country. A second round of discussions is scheduled in Ankara on Sept. 2, as both countries reiterated their commitment to peacefully resolving their differences and expressed appreciation to Turkey for its facilitation and constructive contributions. Somalia and Ethiopia had enjoyed peaceful relations before the signing of the memorandum, which ensured landlocked Ethiopia access to port in return for recognizing the breakaway Somaliland.
