Turkey has hosted the second round of proximity talks between Ethiopia and Somalia in a bid to solve the ongoing conflict between the two east African countries over a deal signed between Ethiopia and Somaliland.
Early this year Ethiopia signed an MoU with the breakaway region of Somaliland which would guarantee them 20 kilometers of their coastline for the construction of a military base which Somalia termed as a breach of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Turkey has been a major player in these talks as it has ties with the neighboring east African countries, economic and trade ties with Ethiopia and a strong security agreement with Somalia in which Turkish forces train Somalian troops in exchange for a foothold in their vast 3,333 kilometers coastline and for mineral exploration.
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Turkish foreign minister Hakan Fidan held meetings separately with both Somalian foreign minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi and Taye Atske Sellasie Ethiopian foreign minister with an aim finding an a solution amicably.
On Sunday the Turkish president Reccep Tayyip Erdogan held separate calls with leaders of the two nations, Ethiopia’s Abiy Ahmed and Hassan sheikh Mohamud of Somalia emphasizing the need for reconciliation.
“Somalia is ready to engage in economic and development cooperation with Ethiopia such partnerships must always respect Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, and adhere to international law and norms.” Reiterated Somalia president Sheikh Mohamud.
