Author: Chany Ninrew | Published: 4 hours in the past
Dr. Abiy Ahmed greets Hassan Shiekh Mahmud at Magadishu airport. (Photo: Courtesy).
Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed visited Somalia on Thursday and met President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Mogadishu, signaling bettering relations following heightened rigidity over Ethiopia’s sea entry settlement with breakaway Somaliland.
Dr. Abiy landed at Mogadishu’s Aden Ade International Airport, welcomed by Somali National Music Band, earlier than heading to the presidential palace by way of extremely protected streets, VOA reported.
Following their assembly, the 2 leaders issued a joint assertion affirming their dedication to enhancing cooperation for mutual profit.
“Ethiopia and Somalia are interdependent nations with a common destiny and a shared vision for regional stability and prosperity,” the assertion stated.
In a social media submit, Dr. Abiy stated the dialogue centered on peace and diplomacy, and thanked his counterpart for the nice and cozy reception.
“The horn of Africa is rich in wealth. He has fertile land, natural water and man power resources. Regional connections are very important to make our common dream come true,” he added.
Tensions reached a boiling level final yr between the 2 nations after landlocked Ethiopia signed a memorandum of understanding with Somaliland to lease land alongside its shoreline to be able to set up a marine pressure base.
In return, Ethiopia would turn into the primary nation to formally acknowledge Somaliland’s independence.
Somalia, which considers Somaliland as its territory, condemned the deal saying it infringes on its sovereignty and territory.
In December 2024, each leaders agreed to a Turkish mediated settlement to resolve the battle and uphold Somalia’s territorial integrity whereas permitting Ethiopia entry to the ocean.