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The second round of Turkish-mediated negotiations between Ethiopia and Somalia over Ethiopia’s port deal with Somaliland concluded without an agreement. Despite the lack of resolution, both Turkey and officials from the two countries expressed optimism about the progress made.
The discussions in Ankara aimed to repair relations between the two neighbors after Ethiopia signed a deal in January to lease 20 km of Somaliland’s coastline in exchange for recognizing Somaliland’s independence. The agreement caused a significant strain on Ethiopia-Somalia relations.
Ethiopian Foreign Minister Taye Atske Selassie and Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi did not hold direct talks during the meeting. Instead, Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan mediated by shuttling between the parties.
Ahead of the talks, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan engaged in phone discussions with both Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to encourage reconciliation. Fidan also traveled to Ethiopia earlier in August to meet with PM Abiy and other officials.
The first round of talks took place in Ankara in July, with the third round now scheduled for September 17.
