Ankara Process for the Solution of the Crisis Between the Two Countries
The crisis in maritime transportation between Somalia and Ethiopia is being resolved through the Ankara Process, initiated under the leadership of Turkey. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has made great efforts to contribute to the solution of the problem by conducting shuttle diplomacy between the two countries. In this context, the second round of talks held yesterday were evaluated as an important step for the normalization of relations between the parties.
He met with both ministers
Turkey, acting as a facilitator between the two countries, brought together Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Muallim Fiqi and Ethiopian Foreign Minister Taye Atske Selassie Amde in Ankara. Before the inter-delegation meetings, Hakan Fidan held one-on-one meetings with both ministers. Following these meetings, inter-delegation negotiations were held, which discussed the maritime issue. The meetings continued until late at night at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Sources indicating that the parties did not meet mutually stated that the Turkish delegation, coordinated by Hakan Fidan, conducted shuttle diplomacy.
Looking for Ways to the Sea
Ethiopia, which has the world’s largest population but has no access to the sea, has long sought a maritime outlet. The memorandum of understanding signed between Ethiopia and Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia, in Addis Ababa on Monday, January 1, has once again raised the delicate balance in the Horn of Africa and increased tensions between the countries. The Somali government has reacted strongly to claims that Somaliland should be recognized. At the meeting held yesterday, steps were determined to resolve the crisis between the two countries.
Press for a Ceasefire
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The negotiation process between Israel and Hamas and the increasing tension in the region were discussed in this meeting, which was held at Blinken’s request. Fidan emphasized that the martyrdom of Hamas Political Bureau Chief Ismail Haniyeh and the ongoing massacres against Palestinians once again revealed Israel’s reluctance to seek peace. Fidan also stated that Hamas had previously displayed a constructive stance on the ceasefire and that pressure should be put on Israel for a permanent ceasefire. Fidan noted that the escalating tension in the region was concerning and that Israel should avoid provocative steps that would lead to further escalation of conflict.
On the other hand, Hakan Fidan also had a phone conversation with Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Ceenbek Kulubayev. During this conversation, preparations for the 11th Summit of the Organization of Turkic States and the next meeting of the Turkey-Kyrgyzstan High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council were discussed.
