Ankara Declaration Contributes to Horn Peace, Prosperity, Says Ethiopian MP

Addis Ababa December 20/2024 (ENA)—The Ankara Declaration signed between Ethiopia and Somalia will significantly contribute to peace, stability, and prosperity in the Horn of Africa, House of People’s Representatives Foreign Relations and Peace Affairs Standing Committee Deputy Chairman Fethi Mahdi said.

In an exclusive interview with ENA, the MP noted that the agreement is not only diplomatic success to Ethiopia and Somalia but also to the African Union, which has been actively engaged in promoting peace in the region.

“The Ankara Declaration marks a pivotal step toward resolving longstanding issues diplomatically,” he added.

Ethiopia’s quest for assured access to the sea, which has been a matter of national importance for decades, is now progressing in a mutually beneficial and peaceful manner. 

Highlighting the agreement’s significance in fostering regional stability, Fethi said Ethiopia and Somalia have set a precedent for peaceful coexistence in the region by reaffirming respect for each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The commitment to resolving contentious issues through dialogue and diplomacy underscores the strong will of both nations to strengthen their ties. 

According to him, the declaration paves the way for Ethiopia to secure reliable sea access through bilateral agreements with Somalia, ensuring mutual benefits while upholding the country’s sovereignty thereby enhancing economic cooperation.

He further noted that Somalia’s recognition of the sacrifices made by Ethiopian forces in peacekeeping missions reflects a renewed spirit of partnership and respect between the two countries. 

The Ankara Declaration also sends a strong message to external forces that have been attempting to exploit differences between Ethiopia and Somalia, the MP asserted, adding that the agreement not only counters such influences but also enhances regional unity.

Fetih concluded by stating that the agreement is not just a win for Ethiopia and Somalia but a win for the entire Horn of Africa. “It is a testament to the power of dialogue, mutual respect, and the pursuit of shared prosperity.” 

Meanwhile, the Ankara Declaration facilitated by the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has been lauded as a milestone agreement.

IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu described the accord as “a significant step toward fostering stability and prosperity in the Horn of Africa.” 

The executive secretary praised the leaders of Ethiopia and Somalia for their constructive engagement and emphasized the importance of such diplomatic efforts in addressing shared challenges. 

Both Ethiopia and Somalia have agreed to initiate technical negotiations by February 2025, with Türkiye playing a key role in facilitating the process.

The negotiations aim to finalize mutually beneficial commercial arrangements that ensure Ethiopia’s access to and from the sea while respecting Somalia’s territorial integrity.