ANKARA (SD) – Delegations from Somalia and Ethiopia are in Ankara, Turkey, for technical discussions aimed at finalizing the December 2024 agreement that sought to ease tensions between the two nations.

Before direct negotiations with Ethiopia, Somalia’s delegation will first hold separate meetings with Turkish officials involved in mediation.

Somalia’s Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism, Daud Aweys Jama, stated on X (Twitter) that the discussions aim to strengthen diplomatic relations, peace, and the implementation of the Ankara declaration.

“The Somali delegation has arrived in Ankara to participate in the first round of technical talks between Somalia and Ethiopia, aimed at advancing the Ankara declaration. Somalia remains committed to peace, diplomatic engagement based on mutual understanding, and respect,” Minister Daud Aweys said.

Since December 2024, Somalia and Ethiopia have held multiple discussions following the meeting between Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, which helped narrow their differences.