ANKARA (SD) – Somalia and Ethiopia have held their first round of technical talks following the Ankara Declaration, aiming to strengthen bilateral ties and regional peace.

The talks took place on Tuesday in Ankara, hosted by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. The delegations were led by Ethiopian Foreign Minister Dr. Gedion Timothewos and Somalia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ali Mohamed Omar.

According to a statement from Turkey’s Foreign Ministry, the discussions were based on the Ankara Declaration, signed on December 11, 2024, under the mediation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The agreement was signed by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, aiming to build a stable and prosperous future for both nations.

The statement emphasized that both delegations showed commitment to implementing the agreement’s provisions and strengthening sustainable cooperation. Turkey reiterated its support for the process, facilitating further discussions.

The next round of technical talks is scheduled for March 2025. The Ankara Declaration is expected to enhance regional cooperation and diplomatic ties, with Turkey playing a key mediation role.