BRUSSELS, Dec 12 (KUNA) -- The EU welcomed on Thursday the declaration agreed in Ankara between Ethiopia and Somalia -- brokered by Turkey.
In a statement, the EU considered that this agreement reflects "the importance of mutual respect and dialogue in de-escalating tensions in the Horn of Africa." The EU reiterated its support for the "unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in accordance with the principles set out in international law." The statement also acknowledged the "important role" played by Turkey in achieving this declaration agreement, expressing readiness to support further efforts by the concerned parties and to continue participating in mediation efforts.
The agreement has been widely welcomed by regional and international organizations and blocs as it puts an end to tensions between the two countries, which had raised concerns about the potential for conflict in the unstable Horn of Africa region.
Tensions between the two countries escalated after Ethiopia, a landlocked country, signed an agreement in January with the breakaway Somaliland region to lease a coastal strip with the aim of building a port and military base.
Somalia, which does not recognize the independence of Somaliland, described the agreement as a violation of its sovereignty, raising international concerns about the risk of a new conflict in the volatile region.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud arrived in Ankara for talks following two previous rounds that made little progress. (end) arn.rk