The President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, today officially arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on a high-level working visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations.
President Hassan Sheikh was warmly welcomed at Bole International Airport, where he was received by Ethiopian Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed Ali, according to a statement from Villa Somalia.
After the welcome, the two leaders proceeded directly to the National Palace in Addis Ababa, where they held a special meeting that focused on issues of importance to the two countries, in particular, strengthening bilateral relations, enhancing development cooperation, mutual respect for the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of the two countries, and stabilizing the Horn of Africa region.
President Hassan Sheikh and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed agreed on the need for a solid foundation of cooperation based on good neighborliness, partnership, and common development.
This visit comes amid efforts to strengthen diplomatic relations between Somalia and Ethiopia, with both sides interested in cooperation in security, economy, communications, and overall regional development.
The leaders of the two countries are expected to continue further discussions on development projects and strategic relations between the two neighboring countries.
There were reports that these officials will discuss issues related to Jubaland and the solution to the conflict between the government and the administration, as well as the plan to establish a new Jubaland, which is of great concern to the Ethiopian government.
