In a significant diplomatic move, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed arrived in Mogadishu, Somalia, on Thursday to meet with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, marking a thaw in relations between the two nations.
The visit follows a dispute that arose in January 2024 when Ethiopia announced plans to lease a coastal area in Somalia’s breakaway Somaliland region, sparking concerns about Somalia’s territorial integrity.
The two countries have since agreed to resolve their differences, with a focus on finding commercial arrangements to provide landlocked Ethiopia with reliable access to the sea.
This development is seen as a positive step towards strengthening ties between Ethiopia and Somalia.
During his visit, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is expected to engage in discussions with President Mohamud on various issues, including trade, security, and regional cooperation.
The meeting is anticipated to pave the way for enhanced collaboration and mutual understanding between the two nations.