MOGADISHU (SD)-The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Government of Somalia, Mr. Ahmed Moalin Fiqi, provided details on the status of the talks between Somalia and Ethiopia.

Fiqi stated that the third round of talks was delayed due to the busy schedules of both parties, particularly because of the intervening UN General Assembly meetings. He noted that Turkey is making significant efforts to achieve results in the planned discussions.

“These talks have been ongoing, really. We sat down for the second round in July and August. The third round was scheduled for September, but it did not happen due to the UN meeting, so it was postponed. However, the process is still ongoing, and Turkey is making strong efforts. But we cannot predict how far it will go, and we hope it ends successfully, with the Ethiopian leadership coming to their senses and facing reality,” said Minister Fiqi.

The Foreign Minister called on Ethiopian leaders to face reality and be truthful to achieve fruitful negotiations, expressing hope for positive outcomes from the third round of talks.

“If Ethiopia wants to invest, they have a stake in Berbera, but they do not seem interested. Even Djibouti offered them a port, but they are not responding, showing their lack of interest. They have been misled by false dreams, believing Somalia is weak and can be taken advantage of, but that is not true. Somalia and all international bodies like the UN and AU have rejected that notion,” the Minister added.

Mr. Ahmed Moalin Fiqi reminded Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed that the regime he was part of faced consequences for their attempts to occupy Somalia, ultimately pleading for a peaceful exit.

“The previous leadership also attempted to take Somali land, bringing in 50,000 troops. What did that result in? They had to ask for a safe withdrawal of their troops without resistance. Despite their dire situation, they withdrew from the border. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is unaware of this history, even though he was a high-ranking officer in that regime,” Minister Fiqi said.