Somalia, Ethiopia conclude second round of maritime talks

Somalia's Foreign Affairs Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi (left) with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. [Courtesy]

Somalia and Ethiopia have wrapped up a second round of maritime talks aimed at resolving a dispute that has strained their relations.

The discussions, mediated by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, took place in Ankara.

Somalia's Foreign Affairs Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi confirmed the end of the talks via X.

He thanked Turkey for its mediation and reiterated Somalia's firm stance on protecting its sovereignty.

"Somalia remains steadfast in safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity," said Fiqi.

"We will never be compromised."

The dispute stems from Ethiopia's agreement with the breakaway region of Somaliland, which has led to tensions between the two nations.

The Somali delegation has refused to proceed until Ethiopia publicly renounces the naval base agreement with Somaliland, causing the negotiations to stall.

A source close to the talks, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the discussions, said, "There's no room for negotiation on this."

The delegations from Somalia and Ethiopia have not met face-to-face. Instead, Turkey has acted as an intermediary, with Fidan separately meeting Somalia's Fiqi and Ethiopia's Taye Atske Selassie.

Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has been active in addressing the maritime dispute.

His administration has appointed Fiqi, a seasoned diplomat, as Foreign Minister to safeguard Somalia's interests.

Mohamud's efforts have been credited with defending Somalia's territorial rights and navigating complex diplomatic challenges.