Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has hailed the Somalian president and Ethiopian premier for reaching "historic reconciliation with great dedication" during Ankara-mediated peace talks expected to end their row over the breakaway Somaliland region.
Speaking in a joint press conference in Ankara late on Thursday, Erdogan thanked Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and announced that both sides have agreed on a joint declaration to resolve their dispute.
"We have taken the first step toward a new beginning based on peace, cooperation between Somalia, Ethiopia," Erdogan said.
Ankara's fundamental expectation is to establish peace and stability "in this distinguished corner" of Africa between Somalia and Ethiopia, he added.
Türkiye believes the agreed-upon joint statement by Somalia and Ethiopia will establish a solid foundation for cooperation and prosperity based on mutual respect, he said.