MOGADISHU (SD) – The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Somalia, Ali Bal ‘ad, speaking on Universal TV, stated that the negotiation table between Somalia and Ethiopia has never included the granting of sea access or a port to Ethiopia. He emphasized that Somalia is only aware of discussions regarding Ethiopia’s use of Somali ports for commercial purposes.

Ali Bal ‘ad explained that the only negotiations are about allowing Ethiopia to use Somali ports for trade, with investments in Somali ports and roads connecting the two countries.

The Deputy Minister dismissed Ethiopia’s desire to gain control over a sea corridor managed by its own government as unrealistic.

The primary point of contention stems from Ethiopia’s recent agreement with Somaliland, which includes access to a sea corridor and a military base. This agreement was initially rejected by the Somali government but later mediated by Turkey, leading to Somalia’s conditional acceptance of Ethiopia’s use of a sea corridor, excluding any military presence.

These remarks by Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Bal ‘ad come just hours after Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s visit to Mogadishu.