Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has reiterated his commitment to supporting the mediation process between Somalia and Ethiopia until sustainable peace is achieved. He made these remarks during a meeting with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in his presidential palace on Thursday, March 27, 2025.

It is recalled that tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia had escalated following Ethiopia’s signing of a memorandum of understanding with Somaliland—a territory that has declared itself an independent state. This contentious development led both nations to pursue a resolution through mediation efforts facilitated in Ankara under Turkey’s auspices

During the meeting, both leaders discussed bilateral relations with Turkey as well as a broad spectrum of regional and international issues. In a statement issued by the Turkish Communications Directorate, President Erdoğan stressed that Turkey places paramount importance on the peace and stability of Somalia. He further assured President Mohamud that Turkey’s support for Somalia’s security, territorial integrity, and economic development would remain steadfast.

Addressing concerns related to Ethiopia, President Erdoğan emphasized that Turkey’s support for the reconciliation process will persist unconditionally until the dialogue initiated with Ethiopia culminates in enduring peace and stability. The mediation process, which commenced with the Ankara agreement brokered on December 12, 2025, has successfully brought Ethiopia and Somalia—previously engaged in protracted disputes—to the negotiating table.

Acting as the mediator in the Horn of Africa, Turkey organized the inaugural round of technical negotiations in Ankara on February 18, 2025. At that time, Turkey’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that both delegations had demonstrated a strong commitment to implementing the Ankara agreement. The Ministry later noted that the delegates had begun taking concrete steps to transform the leaders’ agreement into actionable measures, thereby laying the groundwork for sustainable development. The next round of technical negotiations was also scheduled for March 2025.

Turkey has long been a steadfast partner of Somalia, providing substantial humanitarian aid, military training, and development assistance. In addition, the Turkish Communications Directorate indicated that the discussions also encompassed counter-terrorism cooperation, along with economic, trade, and defense collaborations. Both presidents deliberated on further enhancing bilateral trade and fortifying defense industry relations.