ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia – Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed warmly welcomed Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud upon his arrival in Addis Ababa this afternoon for an official working visit. The two leaders, whose meeting marks a continuation of their efforts to strengthen bilateral ties, convened at the Ethiopian Prime Minister’s Office to discuss matters of mutual interest.

Photos shared by Prime Minister Abiy on social media captured the cordial reception at Bole International Airport, symbolizing the deepening relationship between Ethiopia and Somalia. This meeting follows their recent encounter in Ankara, Turkey, where they participated in a Türkiye-brokered summit that culminated in the signing of the “Ankara Declaration” on December 11, 2024.

During their discussions in Ankara, the leaders pledged to set aside past differences and work collaboratively toward shared prosperity. They emphasized the importance of fostering dialogue and strengthening cooperation, reaffirming their commitment to mutual progress. Notably, the agreement underscored Ethiopia’s access to the sea as a key point of collaboration between the two nations.

Since the Ankara meeting, both governments have taken significant steps to implement the commitments outlined in the declaration. High-level delegations from Somalia and Ethiopia have exchanged visits, with productive engagements in Addis Ababa and Mogadishu aimed at advancing the shared vision of prosperity and regional cooperation.