Mogadishu (SONNA): – Saudi Arabia expressed its strong support for the Federal Government of Somalia in a statement that addressed Ethiopia’s claim over the Somali Sea. The statement stressed the need to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Somalia and to adhere to the principles of good neighbourliness.
The statement also called for avoiding any actions that could escalate the tension and conflicts in the region and for working towards peace and stability, which would enhance the cooperation and integration among the regional countries.
The statement came in the wake of the rising tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia, after the latter signed a controversial deal with Somaliland on 1 January 2024. The deal would grant Ethiopia a 20-kilometer lease of Somaliland’s coast for its naval base, in return for recognizing Somaliland’s independence. The deal has triggered protests in both Somalia and Somaliland.
