Mogadishu (MFASomalia) – The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, H.E. Amb. Ahmed Moallim Fiqi Ahmed, briefed on Wednesday department directors and senior advisors at the ministry’s headquarters in Mogadishu on the Ankara talks between Somalia and Ethiopia, mediated by Türkiye, after two unproductive rounds of talks.

During the briefing, the Minister stated that Somalia engaged in the talks with genuine intentions, guided by its close brotherly relationship with Türkiye, and accepted the invitation based on this rapport, expressing appreciation to President H.E. Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Foreign Minister H.E. Mr. Hakan Fidan for their substantial efforts in advancing regional peace and security.

The Minister affirmed that Somalia would not tolerate any infringement on its unity and sovereignty or any external ambitions with expansionist aims. He clarified that Somalia agrees only to mutual benefits with Ethiopia on a commercial basis, not permitting access to the sea on military or sovereign terms or permitting long-term or short-term presence, and emphasized that any understanding with Ethiopia would be in accordance with international laws, customs, and treaties, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The Minister also addressed the issue of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s intentions, accusing him of seeking to ignite conflict in the Horn of Africa to deflect attention from the internal issues plaguing his regime. Minister Fiqi warned that such actions could lead to widespread violence and instability in the region.

The meeting concluded with a discussion of various scenarios, as directors and advisors presented strategic ideas and visions aimed at safeguarding Somalia’s unity and sovereignty and countering any potential Ethiopian annexation actions.