Foreign Minister Fidan comments on resolution of Somalia-Ethiopia dispute

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan highlighted Türkiye’s pivotal role in mediating a resolution to the long-standing dispute between Somalia and Ethiopia.

The agreement, formalized in the Ankara Declaration, was reached under the guidance of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and sets a foundation for future cooperation and regional stability.

Ankara declaration sets path for future collaboration

In a statement shared on social media, Fidan described the declaration as a forward-looking step, emphasizing Türkiye’s diplomatic success in fostering fair and sustainable solutions:

Somali ve Etiyopya arasında uzun süredir devam eden anlaşmazlıkların çözümü yönünde önemli bir aşamayı tamamladık.

8 aydır ortaya konan diplomatik çaba ve Cumhurbaşkanımız Sayın @RTErdogan’ın süreci bizzat yönetmesi sayesinde Türkiye; Afrika kıtasında istikrar, huzur ve refaha…

— Hakan Fidan (@HakanFidan) December 12, 2024

• “Focusing on the future, not the past, this joint declaration determines the principles on which the two friendly countries will build their cooperation.”
• “The trust in Türkiye and the agreement reached are a strong manifestation of our understanding of diplomacy that produces fair and sustainable solutions.”

Türkiye’s ongoing support

Türkiye’s commitment to the process does not end with the signing of the declaration:

• “We will continue to provide support for the progress of the process and the strengthening of cooperation between the parties,” Fidan affirmed.
• Erdogan reiterated this during a trilateral meeting in Ankara, attended by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

We have completed an important step towards resolving the long-standing conflict between Somalia and Ethiopia.

Thanks to the diplomatic efforts that have been put forth for 8 months and our President Recep Tayyip Erdogan personally managing the process, Türkiye has pioneered a historic step that will contribute to stability, peace and prosperity in the African continent.

Throughout the process, we listened carefully to the sensitivities, priorities and expectations of the parties. With the contributions of both countries, we have produced the Ankara Declaration text that we agreed on.

We thank Somalia and Ethiopia for their trust in our mediation and their constructive approach.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan