ANKARA, Turkey -- Turkey hosted a second round of talks on Monday between east African neighbors Ethiopia and Somalia to try and resolve a dispute over Ethiopia's deal with the breakaway region of Somaliland, officials said.

Relations between the two African nations have been strained since Ethiopia and Somaliland signed a formal agreement in January, which Somalia condemned as an infringement on its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The agreement stipulates that Somaliland will rent a 20-kilometer (12-mile) strip of land along its coastline to Ethiopia for the establishment of a naval base. Ethiopia, with an estimated population exceeding 120 million, holds the distinction of being the most populous landlocked nation globally.

In exchange, Ethiopia would formally acknowledge Somaliland’s sovereignty. Somalia has stated it is willing to engage in armed conflict over this issue, as it views Somaliland as an integral part of its territory.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with Ethiopian Foreign Minister Taye Atske Selassie and Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi in Ankara, Turkey. The meetings were held separately, according to the Turkish Foreign Ministry.

Though the two African delegations didn't hold a direct meeting, Turkish officials acted as intermediaries, facilitating indirect discussions between the groups, known as "proximity talks," according to sources.

Last week, Fidan proposed a plan to give Ethiopia access to the sea through Somalia. In exchange, Ethiopia would recognize Somalia's territorial boundaries and independent rule, he said.

On Sunday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan , seeking to expand Turkey's role in Africa, spoke separately with the leaders of Somalia and Ethiopia, urging them to find a peaceful solution to their differences, his office announced.

Turkey served as the host for the initial round of discussions, held in July, which included separate meetings with Fidan. The second round of talks, originally planned for September, was moved to an earlier date following Fidan’s visit to Ethiopia earlier this month.

Turkey has developed strong relationships with Somalia, and recently signed agreements for collaboration in military matters and oil and gas exploration. It also has commercial and economic connections with Ethiopia.