EU welcomes Ethiopia-Somalia agreement, acknowledges Türkiye's 'important' role

By Selen Valente Rasquinho

BRUSSELS (AA) - The EU on Thursday expressed satisfaction with the resolution of the dispute between Ethiopia and Somalia, recognizing Türkiye's "important" role in the process.

EU Spokesman for Foreign Affairs Anouar El Anouni, responding to Anadolu’s question during a daily press briefing, commented on the Ankara Declaration signed on Wednesday between Ethiopia and Somalia, with Türkiye acting as the facilitator.

“The European Union welcomes the declaration agreed in Ankara on the 11th of December,” El Anouni said.

He noted that the resolution highlights the importance of mutual respect and dialogue in reducing tensions across Africa. He reiterated the EU’s support for the “unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity” of Somalia and Ethiopia, “pursuant to principles entrenched in international law.”

Acknowledging Türkiye’s key facilitation role, El Anouni said: “We recognize the important role taken by the Republic of Türkiye in achieving this agreement.”

He also affirmed the EU’s readiness to support further efforts and mediation initiatives.

- Ankara Declaration

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hosted his Somalian counterpart Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in Ankara on Wednesday before the three leaders announced the Ankara Declaration.

“We have taken the first step toward a new beginning based on peace, cooperation between Somalia, Ethiopia,” Erdogan said at a joint news conference in the Turkish capital.

The leaders of Somalia and Ethiopia “reaffirmed their respect and commitment to one another’s sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity, as well as the principles enshrined in international law, the Charter of the United Nations and the Constitutive Act of the African Union," Türkiye's Communications Directorate said.

The two East African countries have been at odds since Ethiopia struck a deal with Somalia's breakaway region of Somaliland on Jan. 1 to use its Red Sea port of Berbera. Türkiye has been working to end tensions between the two countries.