The second round of talks between Somalia and Ethiopia to resolve an ongoing diplomatic incident ended without a final agreement, but progress was reported. The negotiations, which were held in Ankara, were initiated by Turkey as the Middle Eastern country seeks to mend relations between the East African neighbors. The rift occurred in January when Ethiopia agreed to lease 20 km of coastline from Somaliland in exchange for recognizing its independence, a move Somalia called illegal. Both countries’ foreign ministers attended the talks but did not negotiate directly. Instead, Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan served as a mediator, shuffling between both ministers to find an agreement. At the end of the talks, Fidan revealed progress was made, with both parties converging on some major principles. Both ministers’ echoed his sentiment and expressed optimism that the third round of talks, scheduled for September 17, will lead to a permanent resolution.
SOURCE: REUTERS
