US Applauds Ethiopia-Somalia Agreement to Bolster Cooperation

WASHINGTON: The United States has expressed its support for the Ankara Declaration, a recent agreement between Ethiopia and Somalia that reaffirms their sovereignty, unity, independence, and territorial integrity. The US Department of State praised the agreement, signed on December 11, as a significant step towards enhanced cooperation on shared interests between the two African nations.According to Ethiopian News Agency, the US acknowledged the pivotal role of Trkiye in facilitating the Ankara Declaration. The State Department emphasized the importance of technical negotiations that would enable Ethiopia to secure reliable and sustainable access to the sea, ensuring mutual economic benefits while maintaining Somalia's territorial integrity. The statement highlighted the necessity of ongoing dialogue and engagement for the stability and prosperity of both countries.The US further encouraged Ethiopia and Somalia to intensify their collaboration on mutual security concerns, particularly in combatting the mi litant group al-Shabaab. The statement also reiterated America's commitment to continued bilateral cooperation with both nations, underscoring the importance of strengthening ties to address regional challenges effectively.