The Ankara Declaration between Ethiopia and Somalia is a significant agreement aimed at promoting peace, stability, and economic cooperation in the Horn of Africa. It emphasizes mutual respect for sovereignty and signals a collaborative effort to address longstanding disputes through dialogue. This milestone agreement is facilitated by Turkey and has garnered praise for its potential to enhance regional unity and prosperity.
The Ankara Declaration, forged between Ethiopia and Somalia, stands as a crucial development for peace and prosperity in the Horn of Africa, according to Fethi Mahdi, the Deputy Chairman of the House of People’s Representatives Foreign Relations and Peace Affairs Standing Committee. In an interview, he articulated that this agreement not only serves as a diplomatic achievement for both nations, but also reflects the ongoing commitment of the African Union to foster regional stability.
The declaration is seen as a landmark move toward addressing longstanding disputes through diplomatic channels, marking Ethiopia’s continued efforts to establish reliable maritime access, which has been of paramount importance for decades. Mahdi emphasized the significance of both countries reaffirming respect for each other’s sovereignty, promoting a framework for dialogue and cooperation that enhances regional stability.
Furthermore, the declaration is anticipated to benefit Ethiopia economically through bilateral agreements ensuring its sea access while honoring Somalia’s territorial integrity. Mahdi also noted that Somalia’s acknowledgment of the sacrifices made by Ethiopian peacekeepers further cements a spirit of partnership.
In asserting that the Ankara Declaration counters external manipulations designed to exploit differences between the two nations, Mahdi stated that the agreement bolsters regional unity. He concluded, articulating, “It is a testament to the power of dialogue, mutual respect, and the pursuit of shared prosperity.”
The declaration, facilitated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has garnered praise as a milestone agreement. IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu highlighted its significance as a step toward fostering stability in the region and commended the leaders of Ethiopia and Somalia for their constructive engagement.
Technical negotiations are set to commence by February 2025, with Türkiye playing a pivotal role in this process, aimed at finalizing mutually beneficial commercial arrangements that safeguard both nations’ interests.
The Ankara Declaration is a significant diplomatic agreement between Ethiopia and Somalia, driven partly by the need for improved bilateral relations amid longstanding regional tensions. It emphasizes the importance of respecting national sovereignty while seeking mutually beneficial economic arrangements, particularly concerning Ethiopia’s access to maritime routes. The involvement of Turkey underscores the potential for external mediation in African conflicts, aligning diplomatic efforts with strategic regional interests. This declaration is a product of collaborative efforts involving the African Union and regional stakeholders, aimed at promoting lasting peace and cooperation in the Horn of Africa, an area marked by historical disputes and geopolitical challenges.
The Ankara Declaration heralds a new phase of cooperation between Ethiopia and Somalia, reinforcing the importance of peaceful dialogue and mutual respect. As it aims to fulfill Ethiopia’s need for sea access while respecting Somalia’s sovereignty, the agreement signifies a substantial stride toward regional stability and unity in the Horn of Africa. With continued negotiations planned, the implications of this declaration could extend beyond bilateral relations, fostering broader peace efforts in the region.
Original Source: www.ena.et
