Somali and Ethiopian Leaders Commit to Strengthening Peace and Cooperation

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed visited Somalia for the first time since the Ankara Declaration in December, where he met with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. They reiterated their commitment to enhancing peace, security, and bilateral relations. Following a tête-à-tête, they agreed to foster closer cooperation and welcomed the technical talks commenced in Türkiye, aimed at promoting dialogue and mutual development.

In a significant diplomatic engagement, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed made his first visit to Somalia following the Ankara Declaration signed in December. During his visit, he was welcomed by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in the capital, Mogadishu. Their discussions emphasized the joint commitment to fostering peace, security, and stronger bilateral relations beneficial to both nations and the wider Horn of Africa region.

The leaders participated in a tête-à-tête meeting that led to broader bilateral talks. They focused on enhancing diplomatic, economic, and social cooperation between Somalia and Ethiopia. This visit marks a continuation of recent efforts to normalize relations between the two countries after a period of tension that lasted nearly a year before the intervention by Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

During the discussions, both leaders acknowledged the introduction of technical talks in Türkiye’s capital, as outlined in the Ankara Declaration. This reaffirmed their dedication to constructive dialogue and the pursuit of cooperative frameworks. The Ankara Declaration was a pivotal agreement that aimed to reset relations and was constructed during the earlier meeting between Abiy and Mohamud, mediated by Erdogan in Ankara.

The meeting between Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed signifies a renewed commitment to enhancing peace and security in the Horn of Africa. Their discussions, highlighting diplomatic and economic cooperation, reflect a substantial effort to normalize relations and engage in constructive dialogue. The ongoing technical talks initiated in Türkiye further underpin their collaborative aspirations for the region.

Original Source: www.aa.com.tr