Mogadishu(Mogadishu24)-Somalia's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, H.E. Amb. Ahmed Moallim Fiqi Ahmed, has reiterated the country's unwavering commitment to protecting its national sovereignty during a key briefing at the ministry's headquarters in Mogadishu.
The briefing focused on the ongoing Ankara talks between Somalia and Ethiopia, mediated by Türkiye, following two unproductive rounds of discussions.
Minister Fiqi emphasized that Somalia entered the talks with genuine intentions, motivated by its close brotherly relationship with Türkiye. He expressed gratitude to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan for their significant efforts in promoting regional peace and security.
The Minister made it clear that Somalia will not tolerate any infringement on its unity and sovereignty or allow any external ambitions with expansionist aims. He stressed that Somalia is open to mutually beneficial commercial agreements with Ethiopia but will not permit military or sovereign access to its sea or any long-term presence under such terms.
All agreements with Ethiopia, he stated, would adhere to international laws, customs, and treaties, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Minister Fiqi also addressed concerns regarding Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's intentions, accusing him of attempting to ignite conflict in the Horn of Africa to distract from his regime's internal challenges. He warned that such actions could lead to widespread violence and instability in the region.
The briefing concluded with a strategic discussion among department directors and senior advisors, who presented ideas aimed at safeguarding Somalia's unity and sovereignty.
The upcoming third round of talks between Somalia and Ethiopia, scheduled for September 17 in Ankara, Turkey, is expected to be critical, as tensions between the two nations continue to rise.
