The President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, said that Ethiopia’s request for a sea route is legitimate and does not need to lead to conflict, according to the Ethiopian state-run EBC.
A report published by the EBC said that the Ankara Agreement signed by Ethiopia and Somalia on December 12, 2024, was a significant step that greatly strengthened the relations between the two countries, and led to a new understanding on maritime issues, peace and economic cooperation.
“With Turkey playing a key role in facilitating the agreement, the two neighboring countries, which share blood and historical ties, have embarked on a new path of cooperation and peace,” the report said.
Ethiopia agreed to continue its efforts for a sea route while respecting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Somalia, while Somalia expressed its full readiness to support sustainable economic and security cooperation between the two sides. “The two countries agreed to strengthen their historic ties and work together to strengthen peace, development, and stability in the region.”
The report said that the Somali President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, paid a series of visits to Addis Ababa, while the Ethiopian Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, paid a visit to Mogadishu, with the two leaders agreeing to strengthen security cooperation and cooperate in the fight against terrorism.
Also, expanding and connecting economic infrastructure, and strengthening trade and investment ties are among the areas on which the two countries are working closely, according to the report.
The EBC said that the Somali President was among the leaders invited to the inauguration ceremony of the GERD, where he participated in the cutting of the cable, which was seen as a sign of new understanding and trust between the two countries.
This report, which was merely a commentary, was taken from an interview President Hassan Sheikh gave to Al-Arabiya, in which he stated that the Ethiopian dam “will not harm anyone,” and noted that Ethiopia’s development benefits Somalia as they are two neighboring countries that share a long border.
“The President also said that Ethiopia’s maritime issue is legitimate and does not require war, but can be resolved through dialogue and cooperation,” the report said, citing the President’s interview with Al Arabiya.
During his visit to Ethiopia yesterday, the President met with Somali Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, and according to EBC, the two leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation in the areas of economy, trade, investment, and regional peace, to ensure prosperity and common development.
