Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed visited Somalia to strengthen ties following a diplomatic row concerning Somaliland. Despite mortar attacks reported near Mogadishu airport during his visit, both leaders discussed peace and economic cooperation. Their reconciliation effort follows a Turkiye-mediated agreement restoring diplomatic relations after prior tensions related to Ethiopia’s maritime agreement with Somaliland.
On Thursday, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed met with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Mogadishu to strengthen diplomatic relations following previous tensions over a separatist region. Their discussions centered on peace, security, economic cooperation, and infrastructure projects, alongside the critical issue of combating regional terrorism.
Shortly after the delegation passed through Mogadishu airport, reports emerged of mortar attacks nearby, although the connection to Abiy’s visit remains uncertain. Officials indicated that the Ethiopian delegation departed the airport without incident, despite the increasing volatility in Somalia due to the presence of the Islamist group Al-Shabab.
Tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia had escalated last year after Ethiopia established a maritime agreement with Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia. Following a diplomatic crisis, both countries reaffirmed their ties through a mediated agreement by Turkiye in January, culminating in Abiy’s visit to restore bilateral relations.
During his visit, Abiy emphasized the importance of regional collaboration and expressed Ethiopia’s commitment to work with Somalia for mutual benefits. Observers noted that this visit is part of a larger strategy to implement the Ankara agreement crafted in December, which aims to clarify future arrangements concerning Somaliland.
The diplomatic meeting between Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud signifies a pivotal moment for Ethiopia and Somalia to rebuild relations strained by territorial disputes. The discussions focused on mutual cooperation in security and infrastructure, reflecting a shared interest in stabilizing the region after previous tensions. Moving forward, the implications of Ethiopia’s maritime agreement with Somaliland present an ongoing challenge to their reconciliatory efforts.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
