Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed visited Somalia for the first time in months, marking the resolution of a diplomatic rift over Red Sea access. He was welcomed by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to discuss enhancing trade and security cooperation. The visit also reflects Somalia’s new alliance with Egypt and Eritrea, while Ethiopia seeks regional stability through collaborative defense efforts.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed made an official visit to Somalia on Thursday, marking a significant step in restoring relations between Mogadishu and Addis Ababa. This visit follows the resolution of tensions stemming from a controversial agreement regarding access to the Red Sea, which was signed between Ethiopia and Somaliland. Abiy Ahmed arrived via Ethiopian Airlines at Aden Abdulle International Airport, which was under tight security due to a recent mortar attack targeting the facility, highlighting the ongoing unrest in Somalia.
Upon his arrival, Prime Minister Abiy was greeted by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. The two leaders are expected to engage in discussions centered on enhancing trade relationships, diplomatic ties, and security cooperation between their nations. These discussions represent a concerted effort to mend relations after a prolonged standoff, following a statement from state media highlighting their commitment to regional stability.
Somalia is currently part of a strategic alliance initiated by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi, involving Egypt and Eritrea, historical rivals of Ethiopia. This alliance, formalized through a Tripartite agreement, has raised concerns in Addis Ababa. The recent diplomatic efforts, facilitated by Turkey, have led to an agreement for technical committees aimed at providing a long-term solution that respects Somalia’s sovereignty while addressing Ethiopia’s access to vital resources.
Prior to Prime Minister Abiy’s visit, Ethiopia’s Chief of Defense Forces, General Burham Jula, conducted a visit to Somalia, which facilitated the approval for Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) participation in the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). This highlights Ethiopia’s proactive role in addressing security challenges in the region while seeking collaborative endeavors under the auspices of the African Union.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s visit to Somalia signifies a pivotal moment in rebuilding relations between the two countries following a recent diplomatic rift. The discussions on trade, security, and cooperation underscore a mutual commitment to stability and collaboration in the Horn of Africa, notwithstanding the complexities of regional alliances. The collaboration through technical committees and defense participation further demonstrates a strategic alignment towards shared goals.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
