Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Visits Somalia to Strengthen Ties

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed visited Somalia, marking the end of a diplomatic rift caused by a Red Sea access agreement. His arrival at Aden Abdulle International Airport was marked by tight security due to previous mortar shelling. Discussions focused on enhancing trade and security cooperation between Ethiopia and Somalia, as both nations seek to stabilize their relationship and strengthen regional ties.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has made his first visit to Somalia in several months, marking a significant step towards reconciling relations between Mogadishu and Addis Ababa. This diplomatic development follows a contentious agreement over access to the Red Sea, which had previously strained ties between Ethiopia and Somalia. PM Ahmed arrived at Aden Abdulle International Airport, where security was heightened due to prior mortar shelling at the facility, underscoring Somalia’s precarious security situation.

Upon arrival, he was greeted by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. Amid tight security, discussions are scheduled to cover trade partnerships and the reinvigoration of diplomatic relations following an extended standoff. The state media indicated that their talks will focus on enhancing security cooperation as well as economic collaboration between the two nations.

The visit symbolizes both countries’ commitment to achieving regional stability and deepening mutual ties. Somalia is also aligned with a new alliance formed with Egypt and Eritrea, which has caused concern for Ethiopia. Recently, Turkey facilitated discussions between Ethiopia and Somalia, resulting in an agreement to establish technical committees aimed at resolving Ethiopia’s aspirations for access to ports while respecting Somali sovereignty.

Leading up to PM Ahmed’s visit, General Burham Jula, Ethiopia’s Chief of the Defence Forces, visited Somalia, culminating in the endorsement of the Ethiopian National Defense Forces’ participation in the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). This cooperation illustrates the intricate dynamics of security and stability in the region, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts among Horn of Africa nations.

In summary, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s recent visit to Somalia signifies a pivotal moment for Ethiopia and Somalia’s bilateral relations, demonstrating a commitment to enhancing security and economic partnerships. Despite past tensions over Red Sea access, this visit, alongside military cooperation, aims to foster peace and stability in the Horn of Africa. Additionally, the evolving alliances within the region reflect the complexity of geopolitical interactions that both nations must navigate moving forward.

Original Source: www.garoweonline.com