ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia – Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud arrived in Ethiopia on Saturday for a high-profile visit, signaling a renewed chapter in relations between the two neighboring nations. This is his first trip to Ethiopia since a Türkiye-mediated agreement resolved contentious disputes that had strained ties for over a year.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed welcomed President Mohamud with a formal reception, followed by discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation and addressing shared priorities. In a statement shared on social media, Ahmed emphasized the significance of the visit in advancing mutual interests.
"This visit builds on the momentum of the recent agreement reached in Ankara, paving the way for closer collaboration between our nations,” the Somali Presidency said in a statement.
The tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia escalated in January 2024, when Ethiopia signed an agreement with Somaliland, a self-declared republic, to access the Red Sea port of Berbera. This move was met with strong opposition from Somalia, which regards Somaliland as part of its territory.
Türkiye played a pivotal role in mediating the dispute, hosting negotiations that culminated in the Ankara Declaration in December 2024. The agreement, brokered by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, laid the foundation for improved relations between Somalia and Ethiopia.
This visit marks a significant step in implementing the Ankara Declaration, fostering dialogue, and strengthening cooperation between the two nations.
