Ethiopia vows peaceful pursuit of sea access - Foreign Ministry

Ethiopia remains committed to advancing its legal and diplomatic efforts to secure access to the sea, the spokesperson for the Foreign Affairs Ministry Ambassador Nebiyou Tedla has said.

According to Ethiopian News Agency (ENA) Nebiyou expressed gratitude to Turkiye for facilitating bilateral talks between Ethiopia and Somalia in Ankara.

He further confirmed Ethiopia's active participation in the upcoming third round of talks, aimed at resolving maritime access issues.

The third of the talks will be held on September 17. He said the two countries have made “notable progress” in efforts to settle a dispute sparked by Ethiopia’s deal with the breakaway region of Somaliland.

The spokesperson emphasised efforts to avoid unnecessary confrontation, ensuring a peaceful resolution.

Under the disputed deal, Somaliland would lease a 20-kilometer (12-mile) stretch of land along its coastline to Ethiopia to establish a marine force base. With a population estimated at over 120 million, Ethiopia is the most populous landlocked country in the world.

In return, Ethiopia would recognise Somaliland’s independence.

However, Somalia considers Somaliland part of its territory and has vowed to take military action if necessary.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan last week told reporters he had proposed an alternative arrangement, offering Ethiopia sea access via Somalia. In exchange, Ethiopia would acknowledge Somalia's territorial integrity and political sovereignty.

The negotiations, facilitated by Turkey, aim to resolve the dispute and restore normal relations between the nations.

Turkey has established close ties with Somalia through defense, oil, and gas cooperation, and also maintains economic and trade links with Ethiopia.