Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed visited Somalia to discuss improving relations with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. Their meeting aimed at addressing tensions over Ethiopia’s deal for sea access with Somaliland. A joint statement emphasized cooperation, while technical discussions commenced in Turkey regarding this agreement. Increased military collaboration via AUSSOM was also established during the visit, illustrating growing bilateral ties.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed visited Somalia on Thursday to engage in discussions with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Mogadishu. This visit is part of ongoing efforts to improve relations that have been strained due to a deal granting Ethiopia access to the sea via Somaliland, a region claimed by Somalia. Enhanced security measures were implemented in Mogadishu, with Ethiopian flags prevalent as Abiy was welcomed by traditional music and dance upon arrival.
Following their meeting at the presidential palace, the two leaders issued a joint statement reiterating their commitment to increasing bilateral cooperation for mutual benefit. They referred to their nations as interdependent, underscoring their shared destiny and vision for stability and prosperity in the region. The statement highlighted that this visit is intended to solidify recent diplomatic advancements between Ethiopia and Somalia.
The leaders acknowledged the initiation of technical discussions in Turkey aimed at addressing tensions related to the Ethiopian-Somaliland agreement. Under this agreement, landlocked Ethiopia aims to lease a section of Somaliland’s coastline for 50 years in exchange for recognizing Somaliland’s independence. Despite Somaliland operating independently since 1991, it lacks widespread international recognition, largely due to Somalia’s opposition, and details about Ethiopia’s intentions regarding a naval base are yet to be disclosed.
High diplomacy has characteristically marked relations between the two nations. The Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan previously mediated a reconciliation agreement in December, reiterating each country’s respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. Under the Ankara agreement, Somalia is expected to extend commercial port access to Ethiopia, with further discussions on such arrangements ongoing.
Recent exchanges, including a surprise visit by Somali President Mohamud to Addis Ababa in January, reflect a mutual effort to foster trust ahead of future visits by President Erdogan. Analysts suggest that both countries need to build confidence and facilitate talks aimed at achieving a resolution beneficial to both parties and respectful of Somalia’s territorial integrity.
Concurrently, an Ethiopian delegation led by military chief Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, along with Ethiopian intelligence chief Redwan Hussien, convened with Somali officials to finalize an agreement ensuring Ethiopian troop involvement in the African Union’s new mission in Somalia, identified as AUSSOM.
In conclusion, the visit of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to Somalia marks a pivotal step in mending relations between the two countries, especially following tensions stemming from Ethiopia’s dealings with Somaliland. Both leaders committed to enhancing bilateral cooperation and initiated technical discussions to address ongoing disputes. These diplomatic efforts reflect a shared commitment to regional stability and the recognition of each other’s sovereignty.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
