A new round of talks between Ethiopia and Somalia commenced on Monday in the Turkish capital under the auspices of Turkish diplomacy.
Officials from both nations arrived in Ankara for the latest in a series of negotiations aimed at resolving their longstanding dispute.
Diplomatic sources revealed that while both delegations are present at the Turkish Foreign Ministry, they are not engaging in direct talks.
Instead, Turkish officials are facilitating the dialogue through shuttle diplomacy, coordinated by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.
Separate meetings are being held with each side to explore common ground for reconciliation, a process described as “long” by the sources.
Earlier in the day, Foreign Minister Fidan held individual meetings with his Ethiopian and Somali counterparts in Ankara.
The renewed efforts to bridge the divide between the two Horn of Africa nations come amid heightened tensions following Ethiopia’s January 1 agreement with the breakaway Somaliland region.
Turkey has been actively involved in mediating the dispute between Ethiopia and Somalia, seeking to de-escalate the situation and foster a path towards lasting peace and cooperation.