Somalia and Ethiopia have agreed to restore diplomatic relations after a period of tension. Following a meeting between President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, both countries will reopen their diplomatic offices, underscoring a commitment to collaboration in the Horn of Africa. The Turkish government played a significant mediating role in this agreement, which involves future cooperation on regional matters.
In a significant development for diplomatic relations in the Horn of Africa, Somalia and Ethiopia have agreed to reopen their diplomatic offices, ending a period of heightened tensions. This decision, reached after a meeting between Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in Addis Ababa, represents a commitment to fostering collaboration and development in the region. The Turkish government, notably through President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, played a crucial role in mediating the discussions that led to this agreement.
Previously, Somalia had closed its embassy in Ethiopia and recalled its envoys following a diplomatic spat that involved Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland. This move had exacerbated tensions, prompting Somalia to declare Ethiopia’s ambassador as ‘persona non grata’. However, upon his visit to Ethiopia, President Mohamud ordered the restoration of diplomatic relations, which includes full representation in each country’s capital as highlighted in a joint communiqué from the meeting.
Moreover, both leaders recognized the importance of cooperation within multilateral forums on matters of shared interest. The discussions in Addis Ababa followed the Ankara Declaration, which aimed at addressing disputes and establishing cooperative measures beneficial to both nations. Additional technical committees have been tasked with drafting further details of the agreement, with the expectation of finalizing arrangements by the month’s end. The agreement is critical given Ethiopia’s longstanding desire for access to the Red Sea, which is pivotal for its trade and economic development.
The Horn of Africa has historically faced diplomatic crises, with Somalia and Ethiopia frequently at the center of regional tensions. Recent friction arose when Ethiopia signed an agreement with Somaliland, a self-declared independent state in northern Somalia, regarding access to the Red Sea. Somalia viewed this as a threat to its territorial integrity, prompting both nations to sever diplomatic ties temporarily. With Ethiopia being a landlocked nation, securing reliable access to the coastline is of paramount importance for its trade aspirations, making the resolution of these tensions essential for both countries’ economic stability.
The restoration of diplomatic ties between Somalia and Ethiopia marks a pivotal step towards enhancing cooperation and mutual interests in the Horn of Africa. This agreement, facilitated by Turkish mediation, not only alleviates recent tensions but also lays the groundwork for future collaboration in regional development. Both countries recognize the benefits of re-engaging diplomatically and working jointly in multilateral forums to address shared challenges and opportunities.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
