Somalia and Ethiopia have taken a significant step toward strengthening regional cooperation through the Ankara Process, with Türkiye facilitating technical negotiations between the two nations. The discussions, held in Ankara, were led by Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos and Somalia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ali Mohamed Omar, under the guidance of Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to the Ankara Declaration, adopted in December 2024, and outlined initial steps to transform their shared vision into concrete actions. The negotiations focused on enhancing economic cooperation, improving connectivity projects, and addressing customs and transportation regulations. Türkiye’s experience with regional infrastructure projects, such as the Middle Corridor and Development Road initiative, was discussed as a model for advancing mutual interests.
Türkiye emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in promoting stability and prosperity in the Horn of Africa. The talks concluded with a joint statement highlighting progress made and confirming that the next round of negotiations will take place in March 2025, again under Türkiye’s mediation.