Somalia and Ethiopia have reached a Turkish-brokered agreement aimed at resolving disputes and fostering regional cooperation. The deal is expected to ease tensions that have strained relations over the past two years and promote peaceful coexistence and development.
Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama described the agreement as a critical step toward regional progress, emphasizing Somalia’s commitment to peaceful relations with its neighbors. He stated that the pact ensures cooperation based on mutual understanding and international law.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who mediated the discussions, expressed optimism about the deal, noting that it paves the way for stability and shared prosperity in the region. He highlighted the importance of mutual respect in achieving lasting peace.
The agreement follows disagreements over Ethiopia’s 2024 memorandum of understanding with Somaliland, which proposed leasing coastal land for a naval base in exchange for recognizing Somaliland’s independence—a move Somalia strongly opposed, citing sovereignty concerns.
Jama praised Somalia’s leadership for successfully navigating the negotiations and credited Turkey’s mediating efforts for facilitating dialogue between the nations. The agreement marks a turning point in Somalia-Ethiopia relations and sets the stage for future collaboration.