Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed visited Somalia for pivotal talks with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to strengthen bilateral relations. The agenda encompassed security, economic cooperation, and counter-terrorism. Although mortar attacks occurred near the airport during the visit, Ethiopian officials were reportedly unaware of the situation. This diplomatic engagement aims to reinforce ties after a peace deal mediated by Türkiye and earlier tensions over Somaliland.
Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has arrived in Somalia to engage in discussions with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, aimed at enhancing a precarious reconciliation process. The agenda for their discussions, as outlined by the Somali government, includes topics related to security, politics, diplomacy, economic collaboration, and counter-terrorism efforts within the region. Security officials at the Somali airport reported that Abiy’s delegation departed without any incidents. However, it was noted that mortar attacks occurred in areas adjoining the airport shortly after their exit towards the presidential palace, though a member of the Ethiopian delegation stated that they were unaware of such incidents.
Relations between Ethiopia and Somalia had deteriorated during the previous year, particularly after Ethiopia entered into a maritime deal with Somaliland, which allowed Ethiopia access to the sea. Despite these tensions, both nations announced a complete restoration of diplomatic relations in January, following a peace agreement that was facilitated by Türkiye in December. Sources from the Somali presidential palace have indicated that Prime Minister Abiy’s visit is part of a concerted effort to realize and implement the Ankara agreement, which refers to the aforementioned peace deal negotiated in the Turkish capital.
The agreement with Somaliland suggested that Ethiopia would recognize Somaliland’s independence in exchange for establishing a naval base, a long-desired asset for the landlocked nation. The Somali government reacted with strong discontent, leading to the withdrawal of its ambassador from Ethiopia in response to the January deal.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s visit to Somalia underscores an ongoing diplomatic effort to mend relations between Ethiopia and Somalia, following a challenging period marked by territorial disputes and differing political interests. The discussions aim to fortify cooperation on security and economic fronts while navigating previous tensions related to the Somaliland agreement.
Original Source: www.hurriyetdailynews.com
