Posted 1/1/2024, 9:08:21 PM
Ethiopia and Somaliland Sign Deal Granting Port Access in Exchange for Potential Recognition of Independence
- Ethiopia signs deal with Somaliland granting naval and commercial access to ports, in exchange Somaliland wants recognition of its independence
- Somaliland president confirms 20km of sea access granted to Ethiopia in exchange for recognition
- Ethiopia agrees to advance mutual interests but does not explicitly recognize Somaliland's independence
- Deal seen as major step for landlocked Ethiopia to reduce dependence on Djibouti for trade access
- Somalia expresses concern that deal undermines its territorial integrity and progress in talks with Somaliland