Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Visits Somalia to Strengthen Relations

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed visited Somalia to meet President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, aiming to resolve tensions stemming from Ethiopia’s deal with Somaliland. They issued a joint statement promising enhanced cooperation, amidst security measures in Mogadishu. The leaders welcomed upcoming technical talks in Turkey regarding territorial disputes. The Ethiopian military is also involved in the new African Union mission in Somalia, aiming to strengthen bilateral relations.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed conducted a significant visit to Mogadishu on Thursday, meeting with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. This meeting aims to heal tensions between their nations which have arisen from Ethiopia’s agreement for sea access with Somaliland, a region that Somalia contends is part of its territory. Enhanced security measures were noted in the Somali capital as Abiy arrived, with enforced vehicular restrictions and heightened safety at the Aden Ade International Airport.

During the Prime Minister’s arrival, a ceremonial welcome was arranged, featuring traditional Somali music and performances by folklore dancers. Following their discussions at the presidential palace, both leaders issued a joint communiqué that emphasized their commitment to fostering mutual cooperation. They recognized the importance of bilateral relations and pledged to work together for regional prosperity: “Ethiopia and Somalia are interdependent nations with a common destiny and a shared vision for regional stability and prosperity.”

The leaders also expressed support for ongoing technical discussions in Turkey, aimed at addressing the ongoing dispute regarding Ethiopia’s leasing of coastline from Somaliland. This lease involves a 50-year agreement in exchange for diplomatic recognition of Somaliland, a territory that has asserted independence since 1991 but is still unrecognized by any nation, primarily due to Somali opposition.

Significant diplomatic efforts have been made, including a mediation by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that resulted in an agreement in December focused on mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. The new Ankara agreement includes plans for Somalia to provide Ethiopia access to a commercial port, though Ethiopia has yet to officially withdraw from the Somaliland deal.

Recently, a high-profile Ethiopian military delegation visited Mogadishu and engaged in discussions with Somali officials, leading to an agreement for Ethiopian troops to partake in the new African Union mission in Somalia, designated as AUSSOM. Analysts suggest these visits and agreements aim to rebuild confidence in relations and pave the way for constructive negotiations.

In moving forward, both Somalia and Ethiopia seek to ensure discussions around their agreements preserve Somalia’s territorial integrity while granting Ethiopia necessary access to maritime resources. This proactive engagement is vital as Turkish President Erdogan is scheduled to visit both Somalia and Ethiopia later this year.

The visit of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to Somalia marks a pivotal moment in efforts to improve the strained relations between the two nations. As they navigate complex territorial issues with Somaliland and engage in diplomatic talks facilitated by Turkey, the emphasis on cooperation highlights their intertwined futures. Continued dialogue will be essential for successful resolutions that respect both countries’ interests and sovereignty.

Original Source: www.voanews.com