Somalia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, has departed for Ankara, Turkey, for the second round of mediation talks between Somalia and Ethiopia. The discussions are scheduled to take place on August 12, 2024.
The upcoming talks are part of an ongoing effort to address the dispute between the two East African nations over a port deal signed by Ethiopia with Somaliland, Somalia’s breakaway region. This agreement has been a source of tension between the Somali federal government and Addis Ababa.
The Turkish government is facilitating these negotiations, continuing its role in mediating the conflict. The initial round of talks had been planned for September but has been rescheduled for August without an explanation for the change.
The delegation led by Minister Fiqi left Mogadishu on Saturday, and the Somali Foreign Ministry has confirmed the move as part of its commitment to resolving the diplomatic impasse.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced Ankara’s role in hosting the mediation talks, underscoring Turkey’s ongoing diplomatic efforts to support peace and stability in the region.
The outcome of these talks is anticipated to be crucial in resolving the ongoing dispute and improving relations between Somalia and Ethiopia.
