ANKARA (SD)-The Somali Minister of Information, Da’ud Awes, stated that Somalia will firmly uphold its previous stance against Ethiopia on preserving its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The Minister emphasized that Ethiopia can only access Somalia’s waters by following the United Nations Sea Convention (UNCLOS). This law stipulates that landlocked countries and neighboring countries with coastlines must enter into agreements to gain access to maritime routes.

The Minister made these remarks following Turkey’s statement that the ongoing discussions between Somalia and Ethiopia would conclude with Ethiopia gaining access to Somalia’s waters, provided that Somalia approves.

The President of Turkey assured that any agreement between Somalia and Ethiopia would not compromise Somalia’s territorial sovereignty. He emphasized that Turkey is committed to resolving the tensions between the two countries through dialogue.

The ongoing talks in Ankara today are expected to be the first where both countries may reach a mutual understanding.