The African Union Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) has welcomed the agreement between Ethiopia and Somalia to fully restore diplomatic relations, following discussions between Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in Addis Ababa last weekend.
In a statement, Ambassador Mohamed El-Amine Souef, Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia and Head of AUSSOM, described the agreement as “an important milestone in bilateral relations” and a reaffirmation of commitments made under the Ankara Declaration.
“AUSSOM remains committed to supporting Somalia’s stabilization efforts and regional partnerships, in alignment with the aspirations of the Somali people and the AU’s vision for a peaceful and prosperous Africa,” Souef said the a statement issued in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia.
During the talks held on January 11, the two leaders stressed closer collaboration between their diplomatic missions on multilateral and regional matters of mutual interest while pledging to strengthen coordination on improving regional relations and fostering common understanding and shared progress.
Souef called the step an “important milestone” in bilateral relations.
He underlined the significance of the renewed focus on enhancing diplomatic ties, strengthening security cooperation, and promoting economic integration, all of which are crucial for advancing regional peace, stability, and shared prosperity.
The two countries had engaged in a diplomatic spat after Ethiopia signed an agreement with Somaliland, a self-declared region of Somalia in January 2024, to grant Ethiopia access to the Red Sea port of Berbera in exchange for its recognition of Somaliland as an independent nation.
Somalia viewed the move as a violation of its territorial integrity and sovereignty.
MG/jn/APA