ANKARA (SD) A delegation led by Somalia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ahmed Moalin Fiqi, departed for Turkey today to participate in discussions between Somalia and Ethiopia, mediated by the Turkish government.

A press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the Government of Somalia is committed to the principles of preserving the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Turkey has expressed its readiness to mediate and resolve the conflict between Somalia and Ethiopia. Recently, Turkey’s Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, held meetings with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

The Somali government has previously declared that it will not engage in any negotiations with Ethiopia until Ethiopia retracts its maritime agreement with the Somaliland administration.

Somalia has given Ethiopia until the end of June to withdraw from the maritime agreement. If Ethiopia fails to comply, Somalia has stated that it will swiftly order the withdraw of Ethiopia’s forces from the country.