However, Turkey and ministers from both nations expressed optimism about the progress made during the talks.
Negotiations in Ankara aimed at mending the strained relations between Somalia and Ethiopia, which deteriorated in January after Ethiopia agreed to lease 20 km of coastline from Somaliland in exchange for recognizing its independence.
Mogadishu deemed the agreement illegal, responding by expelling the Ethiopian ambassador and threatening to remove thousands of Ethiopian troops stationed in Somalia to combat Islamist insurgents.
During the talks in Ankara, the Ethiopian and Somali foreign ministers did not meet directly; instead, Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan mediated between them.
Fidan later stated that the range of issues discussed in the second round of talks had significantly expanded compared to the first, and there was now “convergence on some major principles.”
Describing it as “notable progress,” Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced that a third round of talks is set to begin on Sept. 17, with the goal of achieving a “sustainable and viable” agreement between Somalia and Ethiopia.
Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi Ahmed also acknowledged the progress made and emphasised that Mogadishu is aiming for an outcome consistent with international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Somalia’s Foreign Minister, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi Ahmed, expressed optimism, stating that the momentum from the talks could lead to a final solution in the upcoming round.
Ethiopian Foreign Minister Taye Atske Selassie also looked forward to continued dialogue to resolve differences and restore normal relations.
A representative for Somaliland, which has managed its own affairs since declaring independence in 1991 but still lacks international recognition, did not immediately reply to a request for comment.
Ahead of the initial round of talks in Ankara in July, expectations were low due to seemingly irreconcilable differences between Somalia and Ethiopia.
Turkey, which maintains strong relationships with both nations—providing training to Somali security forces and development aid in exchange for a strategic position on a major global shipping route—initiated efforts to mediate the dispute.
These efforts followed a request from Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who sought Turkey’s intervention during his visit to Ankara in May, according to a Turkish diplomatic source.