New talks between Somalia and Ethiopia

Somalia and Ethiopia have met in Turkey in an attempt to reduce diplomatic tensions that have arisen between the countries.

The deteriorated relationship is based on an agreement that Ethiopia reached with the self-proclaimed state of Somaliland on January 1 – an agreement that Somalia condemns and calls an infringement on the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The agreement would give Ethiopia access to the sea through Somaliland and in return, Ethiopia would recognize Somaliland as an independent country.

The foreign ministers of Ethiopia and Somalia had a "separate, sincere, heartfelt and forward-looking exchange" about the differences, according to the Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan who facilitated the talks.

He adds that the parties "reiterated their commitment to a peaceful resolution of the differences."

Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991, but has not been recognized by the international community.