By Gokhan Celiker and Sumeyye Dilara Dincer
The Ankara Declaration, signed on Wednesday by Somalia and Ethiopia, is viewed as a beacon of hope and a significant step toward resolving the two East African neighbors' disputes and fostering cooperation.
At the invitation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, and their respective foreign ministers were gathered in the Turkish capital of Ankara.
Erdogan held bilateral and trilateral meetings with the leaders, which lasted approximately seven hours.
The discussions concluded with a joint press conference to announce the Ankara Declaration, which was facilitated by Türkiye.
- Key agreements in declaration
The declaration reaffirms Somalia's territorial integrity, unity, and sovereignty, in accordance with the UN Charter, the African Union's founding treaty, and international law.
Ethiopia's access to international trade routes was also guaranteed, acknowledging Somalian sovereignty over its territory.
Importantly, the declaration outlines that delegations from both nations will initiate talks by February 2025 at the latest, with Türkiye's facilitation, and that agreements are to be finalized within four months.
The parties pledged to resolve disagreements over the interpretation or implementation of commitments through dialogue, with Ankara's support if necessary.
- Significance of Ankara Declaration
The declaration is viewed as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that disputes can be resolved even in challenging global contexts.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who initiated the Ankara Process in July, played a pivotal role in facilitating extensive discussions with both parties.
Fidan organized three rounds of comprehensive meetings, two in Ankara and one in New York, to ensure that both sides' concerns were thoroughly addressed.
Throughout the process, Türkiye focused on addressing sensitive issues defined as "red lines" by each country.
The process revealed that Somalia and Ethiopia share common ground on several issues and can bridge their differences through constructive dialogue.
- Türkiye’s role in process
The Ankara Declaration's success demonstrates Somalia and Ethiopia's trust in Türkiye and President Erdogan.
During the trilateral meeting hosted by the Turkish president on Wednesday, the leaders emphasized the need for friendship, cooperation, and economic growth in the region while avoiding conflict and tension.
He expressed satisfaction with the progress and hoped that the region's prosperity and peace would serve as a model for other conflict-ridden areas.
Both Somalian and Ethiopian leaders conveyed their gratitude to Erdogan for his commitment to this initiative, highlighting the importance of the "win-win" principle and the supremacy of peace in their remarks.
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.