MOGADISHU, Somalia (HornPost) — Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed held talks in Mogadishu on strengthening bilateral relations, regional security and economic cooperation during Abiy’s official visit to Somalia.
The meeting took place at Villa Somalia, the presidential palace in Mogadishu. It focused on improving cooperation between the neighboring countries and addressing issues affecting their shared interests.
According to a statement issued by Somalia’s presidency and published on Villa Somalia’s official Facebook page, the discussions covered security, economic and social cooperation, as well as the historical ties between the two countries.
The statement said both leaders emphasized the importance of good-neighboring relations, mutual respect and respect for each country’s internal affairs.
Somalia and Ethiopia Welcome Security Cooperation
Security cooperation featured prominently in the discussions. The two leaders welcomed an agreement reached between commanders of the Somali National Army (SNA) and the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF).
According to the presidency, the agreement is intended to strengthen security cooperation and contribute to stability across the region.
The leaders also welcomed the start of technical talks in Ankara, describing the discussions as evidence of both countries’ commitment to dialogue and cooperation.
The Ankara talks were highlighted as an important diplomatic step toward addressing bilateral issues through peaceful engagement.
Abiy Thanks Somalia for Warm Reception
During the visit, Abiy Ahmed thanked the Somali government and people for the reception extended to him and his delegation.
He also stressed the importance Ethiopia attaches to its bilateral relationship with Somalia.
According to the presidential statement, the Ethiopian prime minister said the relationship should reflect the interests of both countries and contribute to regional stability.
His remarks came as the two governments discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
Hassan Sheikh Reaffirms Somalia’s Diplomatic Position
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud welcomed Abiy’s visit and praised the discussions held at Villa Somalia.
He reiterated Somalia’s commitment to maintaining good relations with neighboring countries, based on mutual respect and respect for national sovereignty.
However, the Somali president also emphasized that Somalia would not accept actions that undermine the unity and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
The statement described respect for sovereignty, non-interference and good-neighboring relations as important principles guiding Somalia’s foreign policy.
A Key Moment in Ethiopia-Somalia Relations
The meeting marked an important diplomatic engagement between the two neighboring countries, particularly as they seek to strengthen communication and cooperation on regional security.
Somalia and Ethiopia share a long history of political, economic and security relations. Their cooperation is also important to wider efforts to promote stability and address security challenges in the Horn of Africa.
The leaders’ emphasis on dialogue, security coordination and mutual respect points to the importance of continued diplomatic engagement between Mogadishu and Addis Ababa.
HornPost Staff Reporter
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