Somalia and Ethiopia negotiate commercial port access
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Caasimada Online
Somalia and Ethiopia are continuing talks to allow Ethiopia to use a commercial port in Somalia under the Ankara agreement. Somali State Minister for Foreign Affairs Cali Mohamed Omar says technical negotiations must respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of both countries.
Somalia and Ethiopia are continuing technical negotiations to allow Ethiopia to use a commercial port located in Somalia under the Ankara agreement, Somali State Minister for Foreign Affairs Cali Maxamed Cumar, known as Cali Balcad, said in an interview with TRT World. The discussions must respect Somalia's sovereignty and territorial integrity, he said.
The Ankara agreement, signed on 11 December 2024 under Turkish mediation, provides for a negotiation mechanism on Ethiopia's commercial maritime access. Cali Balcad said he would travel to Addis Ababa soon, following a visit by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, describing the trips as a sign of progress in relations between the two countries.
According to the Somali official, the discussions concern an arrangement allowing Ethiopia to use a Somali commercial port while preserving Somalia's sovereignty and territorial unity. He also highlighted the common economic and security interests of the two neighbouring countries.
