Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to Visit Mogadishu for Key Talks

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is scheduled to visit Mogadishu for discussions with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. This meeting follows the Ankara Declaration, which aims to mend strained relations and finalize technical negotiations. The agenda includes Ethiopia’s role in the new African Union peacekeeping mission, highlighting the ongoing commitment to regional security and cooperation between the two nations.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is set to visit Mogadishu for discussions with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. This visit coincides with an Ethiopian advance team’s arrival in Somalia, and aims to finalize negotiations regarding the Ankara Declaration, a significant agreement brokered by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan last December. The declaration was a critical turning point in the historically tense relations between Ethiopia and Somalia, particularly following a dispute regarding Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland.

The Ankara Declaration, signed on December 11, 2024, emphasized dialogue and mutual respect to resolve differences, affirming Somalia’s territorial integrity. The agreement allows Ethiopia to secure commercial access to the sea via Somali ports, addressing its landlocked status. Technical negotiations began earlier this month and are to conclude within four months as both nations seek to solidify the specifics by late spring.

An Ethiopian spokesperson highlighted that Abiy’s visit signifies a determination to enhance bilateral relations and shared objectives. Somali officials also remarked that these discussions build upon previous diplomatic engagements, including a surprise visit by President Mohamud to Addis Ababa in January, and a recent trip by Ethiopia’s defense minister to Mogadishu.

A senior Somali official remarked, “The president’s visit to Mogadishu is a testament to the progress made since Ankara.” This burgeoning cooperation, seen as a diplomatic success for Erdogan, further establishes Turkey’s role as a mediator within the region due to its historic ties to both countries.

During the discussions in Mogadishu, the agenda will include Ethiopia’s involvement in the upcoming African Union peacekeeping mission, AUSSOM. The agreement reached through the Ankara Declaration has allowed for the continued presence of Ethiopian troops, despite previous threats of expulsion linked to the Somaliland controversy.

Abiy’s impending visit marks his first trip to Mogadishu since the Ankara agreement, signifying a new direction for the two nations. Their rivalry has traditionally complicated regional security efforts, especially against al-Shabab militants. Following their discussions, both leaders are expected to issue a joint statement, revealing further details concerning the implementation of the Ankara Declaration.

Security has been heightened around Mogadishu’s airport and government district in preparation for the summit. Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi referred to the ongoing negotiations as “a significant step forward,” emphasizing the importance of mutual understanding and goodwill between the countries involved.

The anticipated visit of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to Mogadishu underscores a significant step in enhancing the diplomatic relationship between Ethiopia and Somalia. Following the Ankara Declaration, both nations are committed to dialogue and cooperation, aiming to resolve their differences constructively. The discussions will not only address bilateral issues but also implications for regional stability and peacekeeping endeavors in Somalia. Both leaders’ collaboration marks a promising turn in their historically complicated relations, signaling hope for a cooperative future.

Original Source: garoweonline.com