Ethiopia, Somalia Agree to Restore & Enhance Bilateral Relations through Full Diplomatic Representation  

Addis Ababa/ January 11, 2025 (ENA)­--- Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia have exchanged views on a range of bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest and held constructive discussions on strengthening the fraternal relationship between the peoples of the two countries.

In a significant step toward bolstering regional cooperation, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed warmly received Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud during a working visit to Ethiopia.

The governments of the two countries issued a joint communiqué reaffirming their commitment to deepening bilateral relations and addressing key regional challenges.

The communique stated that the two leaders agreed to restore and enhance their bilateral relations through full diplomatic representation in their respective capitals.

Furthermore, the leaders emphasized the need for their diplomatic missions in multilateral and regional forums to closely cooperate on matters of mutual interest.

The leaders reaffirmed that the stability of the region requires strong cooperation between the two countries based on mutual trust, confidence and respect.

 

They agreed to work together to further coordinate efforts to improve regional relations, fostering common understanding and shared progress, according to the communique.

The discussions also focused on the need to continue and strengthen security cooperation between the two countries.

Underscoring the serious and evolving threat posed by extremist militant groups in the region, the leaders agreed to instruct their respective security agencies to bolster cooperation in promoting peace and stability in the region.

In addition, 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.

Finally, they reiterated their commitment to the Ankara Declaration and the spirit of friendship and solidarity that animates the Declaration. They also agreed to expedite the technical negotiations envisaged in the Declaration.