Türkiye facilitates 1st round of technical negotiations between Ethiopia and Somalia

Türkiye took another significant step toward easing tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia with the facilitation of the first round of technical negotiations under the Ankara Declaration.

These negotiations were held on February 18, 2025, following a series of high-level meetings aimed at resolving long-standing issues between the two countries.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held separate meetings with the foreign ministers of Ethiopia and Somalia, who are in Ankara for the ongoing negotiations.

In his address, Fidan emphasized the importance of regional ownership and cooperation in an increasingly polarized world. He stressed that the success of the technical negotiations is more crucial than ever in this context.

Reshaping the future of the Horn of Africa

The first round of technical negotiations took place in Ankara, with FM Fidan meeting separately with Ethiopian Foreign Minister and Somali Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.

Fidan emphasized the critical importance of regional cooperation and ownership in a polarized world, underlining that the success of these negotiations could reshape the future of the Horn of Africa.

“The process represents a historic opportunity to turn challenges into opportunities,” Fidan said during his speech. He highlighted Türkiye’s readiness to play a leading role in supporting and facilitating the negotiations.

Strategic cooperation

Discussions during the technical talks covered a wide range of topics, including Türkiye’s role in regional connectivity projects like the Middle Corridor, Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, and the Development Road initiative. Talks also focused on customs regulations, port management, and international standards in trade and transportation.

The negotiations have laid the groundwork for broader regional cooperation, with the hope that the success of the process could serve as a model for other nations. At the conclusion of the first round of talks, Ethiopia, Somalia, and Türkiye agreed to continue the negotiations with a second round scheduled for March 2025.

Türkiye’s regional vision

Türkiye’s leadership in the process aims to build a foundation for a regional development project that extends beyond the bilateral cooperation between Ethiopia and Somalia. Türkiye’s facilitation of the technical talks highlights its role as a key player in fostering stability and prosperity in the Horn of Africa.

The next round of negotiations will continue to be held under Türkiye’s facilitation, furthering efforts to bring lasting peace and cooperation to the region.

The Ankara Declaration

In December 2024, the “Ankara Declaration of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the Federal Republic of Somalia with the facilitation of the Republic of Türkiye” was adopted.

The declaration sets out a shared vision for both nations, emphasizing technical negotiations to begin no later than February 2025, with the goal of concluding within four months.

The declaration also outlines that any disputes regarding the interpretation or application of the commitments will be resolved peacefully through dialogue, with Türkiye’s support if necessary.

The signing of the Ankara Declaration marked a turning point in Ethiopia-Somalia relations. Following its adoption, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud visited Addis Ababa on January 11, 2025, to reinforce the commitment to the declaration. The joint statement issued during the visit reaffirmed the leaders’ resolve to accelerate the technical negotiations.

Further diplomatic efforts included visits by Türkiye’s Deputy Foreign Minister Burhanettin Duran to Addis Ababa and Mogadishu in February 2025. These visits focused on preparations for the technical talks and the potential role of Türkiye in facilitating connectivity projects, economic development, and regional trade cooperation.