Ahmed Maalem Fiqi, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Somalia, revealed details of the Ankara Declaration reached by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, facilitated by Turkish mediation efforts last December.

During an interview on the program “With Pen and Paper” with media personality Nashaat El-Daihi on TEN TV, he mentioned the formation of a technical committee from both countries to hold sessions in Ankara starting February and lasting for several months, as per the agreement. He added that the committees are ready to engage in dialogue and discussions with the Ethiopian side regarding their demands.

He stated: “So far, we do not know what will happen, but the Ethiopian president previously expressed his intention to be present. However, after the Ankara Declaration, there will be (referring to Somaliland) commercial purposes through ports. But where does he want these ports, what is their nature, who will fund them, and how will they be managed? All of this will be discussed by the committees, which will then submit their recommendations to higher authorities to determine what is most suitable for the Somali people and the security and stability of the region.”

The Somali Foreign Minister also pointed to the exchange of visits between delegations from both countries, as well as the Somali president’s visit to Addis Ababa, describing the intentions so far as “good and positive.” He expressed hope that these intentions would continue to ease tensions in the Horn of Africa, which has been volatile for decades.

He emphasized that the region needs stability and cooperation among neighboring countries, avoiding problems like those that have occurred in the past. He concluded: “The intentions are good, and we hope they remain so. Since the announcement of the agreement, things have been positive, despite some occasional issues here and there. Overall, we hope things continue in this manner.”