The second round of the ‘Ankara Process’ to resolve the crisis between Ethiopia and Somalia has been successfully completed. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that they discussed some specific solutions during the talks and said, “These formulas aim to eliminate existing differences and reach an agreement on a framework that is acceptable to both parties. We have addressed many more issues in a much more comprehensive “Manner compared to the first round. We have had the opportunity to focus on the details and technical dimensions of the concrete steps to be taken.”
WE ARE DETERMINED
Fidan emphasized that significant convergence has been achieved between the parties on certain basic principles and specific elements, and said, “A significant progress has been made in this regard. Our goal as Turkey is to eliminate current concerns and resolve problems in a way that will benefit not only Somalia and Ethiopia but the entire region. We believe that a cooperative and constructive solution can be reached. With the continued participation of the parties and their continued commitment to the success of the Ankara Process, we aim to finalize the parameters that will lead us to a sustainable and applicable outcome for the benefit of everyone involved. The Ankara Process continues and we are determined.”
THIRD ROUND ON SEPTEMBER 17
Fidan stated that they will meet again in Ankara on September 17 for the third round with the hope of successfully concluding the process. “In the meantime, our consultations with the parties and our regional partners will continue. The delegations headed by Foreign Ministers Taye Atske Selassie and Ahmed Muallim Fiqi showed strong work and dedication throughout our meetings. “I thank them for their efforts,” he said.
THANKS TO TURKEY
Ethiopian Minister Selassie expressed his gratitude to the Turkish government and President Tayyip Erdoğan for their initiative, saying, “Turkey has taken a very important step to facilitate the talks between Ethiopia and Somalia. Ethiopia will also have direct access to the sea as a result of this solution.” Somali Minister Fiqi thanked Turkey for hosting the second round of talks, saying, “We hope that with the momentum we have gained and built here, we can reach a final solution.”
Two Days of Talks
The talks aimed at resolving the crisis were held in two rounds. First, Minister Fidan held talks with both of his counterparts. In the ongoing process, the Ethiopian and Somali delegations did not hold mutual talks; instead, Turkey conducted “shuttle diplomacy” by meeting with both delegations. The first round continued into the night, while the second round began yesterday morning.
