ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — Turkey hosted a second round of talks between East African neighbors Ethiopia and Somalia to try to resolve a dispute over the deal between Ethiopia and the breakaway region of Somaliland, officials said.
Tensions between the two African countries have since increased Ethiopia has signed a memorandum of understanding with Somaliland in January, which Somalia condemned as a violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Under the deal, Somaliland would lease a 20-kilometer (12-mile) stretch of land along its coastline to Ethiopia to establish a naval base. With a population estimated at more than 120 million, Ethiopia is the world’s most populous landlocked country.
In return, Ethiopia would recognize Somaliland’s independence. Somalia has said it is prepared to go to war over it, as it considers Somaliland part of its territory.
According to the ministry, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held separate meetings with his Ethiopian counterpart Taye Atske Selassie and Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi in the Turkish capital Ankara.
The two African delegations did not meet in person, but Turkish officials shuttled between the two sides in so-called proximity talks, officials said.
Last week, Fidan said he had proposed a settlement that would guarantee Ethiopian access to the sea through Somalia. In return, Ethiopia would recognize Somalia’s territorial integrity and political sovereignty, he said.
On Sunday, the Turkish president said Recep Tayyip Erdoganwho seeks greater Turkish influence in Africa, held separate telephone conversations with the leaders of Somalia and Ethiopia to encourage a peaceful resolution, his office said.
Turkey also hosted the first round of talks in July, which included separate meetings with Fidan. The second round of talks was initially scheduled for September, but was brought forward after Fidan’s visit to Ethiopia earlier this month.
Turkey has established close ties with Somalia and recently signed agreements to cooperation in defense and oil and gas exploration. It also has economic and trade ties with Ethiopia.
