Ethiopia and Somalia restore full diplomatic, trade ties

Ethiopia and Somalia renewed their diplomatic relations during a visit of Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Saturday to Addis Ababa.

The two countries agreed to restore diplomatic and bilateral relations and to join forces in the fight against terrorism as well as to fully implement the Ankara agreement that ended their tensions, a joint communique issued by the two countries in Addis Ababa, said.

Upon arrival at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia - his first since 2023 - President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was welcomed by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in a warm and colourful reception that included children waving flags of the two nations and a military parade.

Disagreements between the two neighbours arose from a maritime agreement Ethiopia signed with Somaliland, a self-declared enclave in Somalia.

The deal was to give Ethiopia a 20 km stretch of seashore in return for Addis Ababa to recognise Somaliland much to the irritation of Somalia which accused Ethiopia of interfering with its sovereignty and unity.

A joint communique issued after a closed-door meeting between the two countries' top leadership said the two leaders agreed to bury the hatchet and fully cooperate to improve relations between the two neighbourly countries as well as to work for regional peace.

"The two leaders reaffirmed that the stability of the region requires strong cooperation between the two countries based on mutual trust, confidence and respect. They also agreed to work together to further coordinate efforts to improve regional relations, fostering common understanding and shared progress," the communique said.

They also agreed "to restore and enhance their bilateral relations through full diplomatic representation in their respective capitals.," and the need to, "strengthen security cooperation between the two countries, Underscoring the serious and evolving threat posed by extremist militant groups in the region."

The Ankara agreement signed on December 11, 2024, was brokered by Turkey, a key ally of both nations. The agreement required both nations to respect each other's sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity as envisaged by international laws and principles outlined in the African Union charter.

The agreement was welcomed by both nations as each got what it wanted, with Ethiopia's longstanding aspiration for reliable access to the sea also addressed through trade agreements.

In Saturday's meeting, the matter also arose with the two leaders reiterating their commitment to the Ankara Declaration and its expeditious implementation.

"The leaders underlined the importance of intensifying economic cooperation, trade and investment between the two countries. They agreed to expand infrastructure linkages to facilitate trade and shared prosperity through more robust economic cooperation," the communique added.