Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud visited Ethiopia’s capital Addis Ababa on Saturday, building momentum from last month’s Turkish-mediated peace agreement between the two Horn of Africa nations.
The high-level meeting, which came at the invitation of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, marks a crucial turning point in relations that were severely strained last year following Ethiopia’s controversial agreement with Somaliland, Somalia’s breakaway region.
During the talks, both leaders agreed to restore full diplomatic representation in their respective capitals and enhance bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors. The meeting produced concrete commitments to strengthen security collaboration, particularly in addressing regional extremist threats, and expand economic ties through increased infrastructure development and trade initiatives.
The diplomatic breakthrough comes against the backdrop of complex regional dynamics, particularly Ethiopia’s longstanding quest for sea access, which has been a source of tension between the neighbors. Last year’s agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland, which reportedly included provisions for port access and a military base on the Red Sea in exchange for recognition of Somaliland’s independence, had sparked outrage in Somalia.
The joint communiqué issued after Saturday’s meeting emphasized the leaders’ commitment to the Ankara Declaration and outlined several key agreements:
- Enhanced security cooperation to combat militant extremist groups in the region
- Strengthened economic partnerships and infrastructure development
- Coordinated diplomatic efforts in multilateral and regional forums
- Expedited technical negotiations as outlined in the Ankara Declaration
Both leaders stressed that regional stability depends on strong cooperation built on mutual trust, confidence, and respect. The meeting represents a significant shift from recent tensions toward a more collaborative approach to addressing shared challenges in the Horn of Africa.
HORSEED MEDIA
