The governments of Ethiopia and Somalia have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening diplomatic, economic, and security cooperation following a high-level meeting in Mogadishu. The meeting which brought together Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy in Mogadishu, marks a significant step toward normalising relations between the two neighboring nations.

PM Abiy arrived in Mogadishu on Thursday morning for a one-day visit. His visit comes more than a month after Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud visited Addis Ababa as the two counties look to strengthening ties.

According to a joint communiqué released after the discussions, both leaders emphasized the importance of mutual trust and historical ties, underlining their commitment to regional stability and prosperity. They pledged to enhance diplomatic engagement, economic development, and people-to-people relations, recognizing their interdependence and shared vision for the Horn of Africa.

A key highlight of the talks was the Ankara Declaration, which laid the foundation for ongoing technical discussions between Addi Ababa and Mogadishu.

The communiqué welcomed the launch of these talks, signaling a commitment to constructive dialogue and cooperation. Additionally, both leaders acknowledged the recent understanding reached between the Somali National Army (SNA) and the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF), describing it as a critical step in boosting regional security.

It is believed according to sources, that the two leaders discussed Ethiopia's place in the new peacekeeping mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which Somalia had previously sent signals of its opposition to Addis Ababa's participation.

The two governments reiterated their determination to work together in strategic infrastructure projects aimed at fostering sustainable development. They also touched on the broader goal of advancing common interests, promoting peace, and ensuring security for their citizens and the wider Horn of Africa.

The meeting in Mogadishu follows a series of diplomatic engagements in recent months, reflecting efforts to mend strained relations and address shared regional challenges.