Ethiopia's aspiration is to secure a safe and reliable seaport in a peaceful manner that benefits all our neighbors . Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed made the remark.
The Ethio-Somali talks, which had been ongoing in Ankara at the level of foreign ministers, concluded successfully at the leaders' level through consultations that benefited both countries. Following this, the two leaders issued a joint statement.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (Dr.), expressing gratitude for the warm welcome and hospitality extended by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the Turkish government, and people, commended the Turkish government's commitment to peace efforts in the Horn of Africa.
He specifically thanked President Erdoğan for taking the initiative and facilitating two consecutive discussions between Ethiopia and Somalia, brotherly nations, at the level of foreign ministers in recent months.
He stated that these discussions escalated to the leaders' level, and yesterday's consultations concluded with an agreement that resolves disagreements that arose between the two governments in the past year.
Prime Minister Abiy stated that Ethiopia and Somalia, being neighboring countries, have a centuries-long relationship. He emphasized that the two peoples are not only neighbors but also brotherly and sisterly peoples whose destinies are intertwined by blood.
He highlighted that Ethiopians and Somalis share common ancestry, language, and culture, and are further bound by the blood sacrifice of thousands of Ethiopian soldiers who protected the Somali government's security from terrorist forces.
The Prime Minister expressed his deep appreciation for those who worked to facilitate discussions between the two governments in the past year, but added, "This was not a matter requiring third-party intervention; rather, it should have been a family discussion."
He stated that in the past six years, Ethiopia has demonstrated its commitment to regional integration not just through words, but also through tangible aspirations and actions.
He said, "It is my and my government's firm belief that the development and stability of the Horn of Africa are based on our collective development; peace and development are shared profits from our collective development."
He reiterated, "I would like to reaffirm that Ethiopia's aspiration is to obtain a secure and reliable seaport in a peaceful manner that benefits all our neighbors; our growing young population and increasing economic aspirations have made this timely and necessary."
He explained that creating favorable conditions for this growing economic activity and aspiration should be considered a preventative measure against potential negative regional impacts, and should be undertaken with a spirit of cooperation rather than suspicion.
He concluded, "I believe that today's constructive discussion allows us to begin the new year with a spirit of cooperation, friendship, and a desire to work together."