ANKARA: Somalia and Ethiopia have publicly expressed their appreciation to Trkiye for mediating a resolution to a protracted dispute between the two nations. The announcement came during a press conference held in Ankara, where Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud revealed an agreement reached through Trkiye-mediated peace talks. According to Anadolu Agency, the tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia escalated after Ethiopia entered an agreement with Somaliland on January 1 to utilize the Red Sea port of Berbera. This development strained relations, as Ethiopia has been landlocked since Eritrea gained independence in 1991 following the Eritrean War of Independence. The loss of direct access to the Red Sea has posed significant challenges to Ethiopia's maritime trade capabilities. During the press conference, Somali President Mohamud acknowledged the historical challenges and emphasized the importance of Trkiye's role in foster ing dialogue. "We are grateful for Trkiye's efforts," Mohamud stated, highlighting the potential for future collaboration. He stressed that peace and stability are paramount for the region and reiterated Somalia's commitment to strengthening ties with Ethiopia. Prime Minister Ahmed expressed gratitude towards President Erdogan and Trkiye for facilitating discussions that addressed longstanding misunderstandings. Emphasizing the deep-rooted connections between Ethiopia and Somalia, Ahmed remarked, "We are not just neighboring countries, we are brothers." He acknowledged the sacrifices made by Ethiopian soldiers in securing Somalia's safety and combating terrorism. Ahmed also highlighted Ethiopia's commitment to regional integration and mutual development, pointing out that the country suffers from ongoing instability in the Horn of Africa. While he noted that the dialogue could have been conducted without external mediation, he appreciated Trkiye's efforts in facilitating the resolution process. Both leader s underscored the significance of the agreement, which not only resolves the immediate dispute but also lays the groundwork for sustained cooperation between the two nations. The agreement is seen as a pivotal step towards enhancing peace and stability in the Horn of Africa.