Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud visited Ethiopia, marking his first official trip following the resolution of bilateral disputes through an Ankara-brokered agreement. The two nations agreed to enhance diplomatic relations and collaborate on mutual interests, reinforcing their commitment to work together after a period of heightened tensions due to disputes over Somaliland.
The President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, visited Ethiopia, marking his initial trip since the disputes between the two nations were resolved through an agreement brokered by Türkiye. During this visit, President Mohamud engaged in discussions with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, focusing on enhancing bilateral relations and addressing shared priorities. The leaders emphasized the restoration of full diplomatic representation in their respective capitals and committed to collaborating in multilateral forums on common issues of interest.
This diplomatic rapprochement follows a period of tension that began in April 2024 when Somalia expelled the Ethiopian ambassador over a disagreement pertaining to a port deal involving Somaliland. The subsequent closure of Addis Ababa’s consulates in Hargeisa highlighted the escalating friction. However, the recent Ankara Declaration, established with the help of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Türkiye, successfully mediated these tensions, enabling the resumption of diplomatic talks.
The bilateral relations between Ethiopia and Somalia have been historically fraught with challenges, particularly regarding territorial disputes and resource management. The contention escalated notably in January 2024 when Ethiopia engaged in a controversial agreement with Somaliland regarding port access. The tensions heightened until diplomatic mediation by Türkiye culminated in the Ankara Declaration, which United both nations in a renewed commitment to cooperation and conflict resolution.
In conclusion, the visit of Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to Ethiopia signifies a pivotal moment in the reconciliation of relations between the two nations. The agreement to restore full diplomatic ties and the commitment to the Ankara Declaration illustrate a resolve to address mutual interests constructively. This collaboration heralds a hopeful future for both Somalia and Ethiopia as they continue to navigate their diplomatic relationship under the mediation of Türkiye.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
