Addis Ababa, January 11, 2025 (FMC) — The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the Federal Republic of Somalia have agreed to restore and enhance their bilateral relations through full diplomatic representation in their respective capitals.
This commitment from the two counties was disclosed following the meeting between Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, during the later’s working visit to Ethiopia this afternoon.
In a joint communique issued this evening, the two leaders 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.
According to the Office of the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, they agreed to restore and enhance their bilateral relations through full diplomatic representation in their respective capitals.
Furthermore, the two 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.
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.
It is worth noting that the two leaders have met for the second time since their engagement in Ankara, Türkiye, exactly a month ago.