WASHINGTON: The United States has expressed approval for the recent agreement between Ethiopia and Somalia, reached in Ankara, which aims to respect each nation's territorial integrity while advancing cooperation on shared interests. The accord, announced late Wednesday, was facilitated by Turkey and is seen as a significant step toward regional stability and economic collaboration. According to Kuwait News Agency, the US Department of State commended Turkey's leadership in bringing Ethiopia and Somalia to the negotiating table. The agreement outlines plans for technical negotiations to ensure Ethiopia's secure and sustainable access to the sea, a move anticipated to benefit both countries economically without infringing on Somalia's territorial sovereignty. The State Department emphasized the importance of continued dialogue and engagement, viewing it as essential for a stable and prosperous future for both nations. It further encouraged Ethiopia and Somalia to bolster their cooperation on mutual security interests, particularly in combating the extremist group al-Shabaab, while reiterating its commitment to maintaining close bilateral relations with both countries. The agreement was revealed by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during a joint news conference with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Under the terms of the agreement, technical negotiations, facilitated by Turkey, are expected to commence by February 2025, with a goal of reaching a mutually beneficial resolution within four months. President Erdogan highlighted that the joint statement by Somalia and Ethiopia is intended to lay a firm foundation for future cooperation based on mutual respect. He added that Turkey, alongside Somalia and Ethiopia, plans to develop and implement projects aimed at enhancing regional peace and prosperity. The accord comes amid tensions following Ethiopia's agreement with Somaliland to use the Red Sea port of Berbera, which had strained relations with Somalia. This n ew agreement is seen as a pivotal move to mend and strengthen the ties between the two nations.
