Somalia and Ethiopia have reached a landmark joint declaration aimed at resolving their long-standing dispute over the breakaway Somaliland region and addressing Ethiopia’s need for sea access. The agreement was announced by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan following a meeting in Ankara with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
Speaking at a joint press conference late Wednesday, Erdogan praised the Somali and Ethiopian leaders for their “historic reconciliation.” He expressed optimism that the deal would mark the beginning of a new era of peace and cooperation between the two nations, particularly focusing on Ethiopia’s push to secure sea access.
Erdogan highlighted that Ethiopia, the world’s most populous landlocked country, would benefit significantly from this agreement. “With this meeting, especially regarding Ethiopia’s demands for sea access, I believe my brother Sheikh Mohamud will provide the necessary support,” Erdogan stated.
The Turkish president emphasized that the joint declaration is forward-looking, aiming to foster cooperation rather than dwell on past conflicts. He also posted on social media, stressing that the declaration sets out principles for future collaboration between Somalia and Ethiopia, two key partners for Turkey in the region.
This development comes amid ongoing tensions over Somaliland’s status, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991, but has not been internationally recognized. The new agreement signals a shift toward dialogue and cooperation, with the potential to reshape regional dynamics.
