MOGADISHU (SD) – The United States has welcomed the agreement between Somalia and Ethiopia to end the regional tension caused by Addis Ababa’s attempt to gain access to the sea.

The two countries have been in conflict since Ethiopia, a landlocked country, signed an agreement with the self-declared independent Somaliland in October, which included leasing coastal land to establish a port and military base for Addis Ababa.

However, the mediator of the Somalia-Ethiopia negotiations announced that both sides have reached agreements for “reliable, safe, and sustainable access to the sea for Ethiopia,” under the sovereignty of the Republic of Somalia.

“The United States welcomes the December 11 joint declaration by the Federal Republic of Somalia and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia reaffirming the sovereignty, unity, independence, and territorial integrity of each country,” said U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Blinken added that Washington looks forward to the “technical discussions” defining Ethiopia’s sea access, “with respect for Somalia’s territorial unity.”

The agreement was also highlighted by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who praised Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for his role.

Guterres stated that “rapid technical discussions and positive outcomes” were anticipated, according to his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric’s statement.

After Ethiopia announced the deal with Somaliland—which declared unilateral independence from Somalia in 1991—regional officials stated that Ethiopia would grant official recognition to Somaliland.

That promise was never fulfilled by Addis Ababa.

Somalia described the move as a violation of its sovereignty, leading to international outcry over the potential escalation of regional conflict.

Blinken also emphasized the importance of “facilitating” the new approach.

The statement was made during discussions with Erdogan in Ankara regarding the situation in Syria.

“We encourage Ethiopia and Somalia to strengthen their mutual interests in security, especially in the fight against Al-Shabaab,” Blinken stated.

The United Arab Emirates also welcomed the mediation signals between Somalia and Ethiopia aimed at resolving their conflict.

“This pivotal step has linked the two countries and contributed to the stability and proactive role of the Horn of Africa,” the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

The statement emphasized the importance of resolving disputes peacefully and highlighted the successful role of Recep Tayyip Erdogan in achieving this, considering the negotiations as significant demonstrations of regional and global issues.