ADDIS ABABA – Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud held a special meeting with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, during his official visit to the country.

According to a statement issued by the Somali Government, the two leaders discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation and underscored the importance of safeguarding the sovereignty and unity of each nation.

“The President and the Prime Minister exchanged views on enhancing the bilateral relationship between the two countries, promoting cooperation based on good neighbourliness and mutual respect, in line with the shared interests, independence, and unity of both nations,” the statement read.

The talks also covered joint efforts in the fight against Al-Shabaab, including ways for Ethiopian forces to contribute effectively to ongoing regional military operations within Somalia.

The meeting between President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed comes amid reports circulating in recent hours about plans to establish a new regional administration in Gedo, a development that has sparked widespread discussion within Somali political circles.