ANKARA: Ethiopia and Somalia have reached a landmark agreement to resolve their longstanding conflict, facilitated by Ankara-mediated peace talks, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced. The accord marks a significant step toward peace and cooperation between the two nations, Erdogan stated during a joint news conference alongside Somalian President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. According to Anadolu Agency, the Ankara Process, initiated approximately eight months ago, culminated in this agreement due to the trust Somalia and Ethiopia placed in Trkiye. Erdogan expressed satisfaction in hosting the delegations and emphasized the importance of overcoming past grievances to build a future-focused partnership. The joint declaration, agreed upon during the talks, outlines principles for cooperation and prosperity between the two countries. Erdogan highlighted the historical significance of the region, noting its contributions to humanity despite previous conflicts. He st ressed that the joint declaration aims to establish peace and stability in the region, with Trkiye committed to supporting Somalia and Ethiopia in planning future steps and implementing regional projects. Both President Mohamud and Prime Minister Ahmed praised Trkiye's mediation efforts. The agreement comes after tensions escalated when Ethiopia struck a deal with Somaliland to use its Red Sea port of Berbera, impacting ties with Somalia. The conflict traces back to Ethiopia's loss of Red Sea ports following Eritrea's independence in 1991, which left Ethiopia landlocked and hampered its maritime trade capabilities. Erdogan also expressed hope that Somalia would support Ethiopia's requests for sea access, underscoring the shared belief that cooperation can secure mutual prosperity. The agreement is seen as a foundational step towards regional peace and economic development.