
Somalia and Ethiopia are set to resume talks next week in Ankara, Turkey, to address disagreements over a port deal Ethiopia signed with Somaliland earlier this year.
The deal, which saw Ethiopia leasing 20 km of Somaliland’s coastline in exchange for recognizing its independence, has strained relations between the two countries. Somalia, which considers the agreement illegal, expelled the Ethiopian ambassador and threatened to remove Ethiopian troops from its territory.
Turkey, a close ally of Somalia, is mediating the discussions. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who recently visited Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, expressed optimism that tensions could be resolved if Ethiopia acknowledges Somalia’s territorial integrity and political sovereignty. The upcoming talks follow an initial meeting held in Ankara last month.
Turkey has played a significant role in Somalia’s development, building infrastructure and providing military support. Earlier this year, the two nations signed a defense and economic cooperation agreement, with Turkey set to provide navy support and explore oil and gas off Somalia’s coast.