Djibouti – The Turkish Foreign Minister said Hakan Fidan His country is making unremitting efforts to resolve the existing conflict between Ethiopia and Somalia, through a framework agreement that is being developed to suit both parties.
During his participation in the “Third Ministerial Review Conference of the Turkish-African Partnership” held in Djibouti, the Turkish Foreign Minister stressed the importance of recognizing Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the necessity of providing a maritime outlet for Ethiopia.
Fidan stressed that the framework agreement needs to overcome the historical challenges that burden the leaders of the two countries, and make decisions that serve the needs of the present, explaining that the essence of the issue requires unconditional recognition of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, in addition to meeting Ethiopia’s need to reach the sea through peaceful means.
He pointed out that Ethiopia, as a landlocked country with a large population, depends entirely on maritime trade, which makes access to the sea vital to its economic interests.
Fidan stressed that reaching an agreement between Ethiopia and Somalia represents a top priority for Ankara, and that his country is working with all concerned parties with the aim of reaching a comprehensive framework agreement that satisfies all parties.
He explained that he held discussions with his Djiboutian counterpart, Mahmoud Ali Youssef, on this issue, and that this meeting would strengthen the ideas and proposals presented between the parties, stressing Turkey’s commitment to continue its support to reach a framework agreement that satisfies both parties and achieves stability in the region.
