Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud visited Ethiopia, marking the first official trip since the resolution of bilateral disputes through the Türkiye-brokered Ankara Declaration. Both nations agreed to restore full diplomatic relations and emphasized the collaboration in addressing mutual interests. This visit reflects a new era of cooperation, underlining the importance of ongoing dialogue.
Ethiopia and Somalia have formally agreed to enhance their bilateral relations by restoring full diplomatic representation in their respective capitals, as announced by both nations in a joint statement. This agreement follows a significant meeting between Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, where they engaged in strategic discussions aimed at improving collaboration and addressing shared priorities. This visit marks President Mohamud’s first official trip to Ethiopia since the resolution of ongoing disputes through the Türkiye-brokered Ankara Declaration.
In April 2024, diplomatic tensions escalated when Somalia expelled Ethiopia’s ambassador amid a dispute concerning the Somaliland port deal, leading to the closure of Ethiopian consulates in Hargeisa. However, recent dialogues, facilitated by Türkiye, culminated in the Ankara Declaration last December, which spearheaded negotiations to mend ties between the two nations. Both leaders emphasized the need for their diplomatic missions to collaborate actively within multilateral and regional platforms, reinforcing their commitment to the agreements established in Ankara.
The discord between Ethiopia and Somalia initially arose in January 2024 as a result of Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland to utilize the Berbera port, prompting Türkiye’s mediation efforts that ultimately fostered renewed bilateral cooperation. A statement from the Somali Presidency indicated that this visit signifies a strengthened partnership and a hopeful future for Somalia and Ethiopia, establishing a framework for ongoing collaboration.
The unanimous decision to expedite the technical negotiations outlined by the Ankara Declaration highlights the shared dedication of both countries to foster cooperation and address mutual concerns. As the leaders focus on epitomizing a new era of collaboration, this trip symbolizes a pivotal moment in the diplomatic landscape of the Horn of Africa.
The diplomatic relationship between Ethiopia and Somalia has been historically complex, influenced by various regional conflicts and bilateral disagreements. The recent disputes were largely triggered by Ethiopia’s signing of an agreement with Somaliland to use the Berbera port, which Somalia vehemently opposed. Traditional diplomatic channels faced strain culminating in a breakdown of relations earlier in 2024. However, Türkiye’s role as a mediator has facilitated discussions crucial in restoring relations, leading to the Ankara Declaration, which set the foundation for renewed cooperation.
In conclusion, the visit of Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to Ethiopia represents a significant milestone in the restoration of relations between the two countries. The commitment to the Ankara Declaration signifies a collective willingness to address past disputes and foster mutual priorities. This renewed approach towards diplomatic engagement heralds a promising outlook for cooperation and stability in the region, demonstrating the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving conflicts.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
