Mogadishu (KAAB TV) – Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to peaceful dialogue and regional cooperation, stating that Ethiopia’s request for access to the sea is legitimate and should not be a source of conflict.
His remarks, as reported by Ethiopian state broadcaster EBC, reflect a significant shift toward mutual understanding between the two Horn of Africa nations.
According to the report, President Hassan Sheikh’s comments were part of a recent interview with Al Arabiya, during which he emphasized the importance of resolving regional matters — particularly maritime access — through diplomacy and partnership rather than hostility. “Ethiopia’s question about access to the sea is valid.
There is no need to resort to conflict. This issue can be addressed through cooperation and constructive dialogue,” the president said.
The EBC report highlighted the signing of the Ankara Agreement between Somalia and Ethiopia on December 12, 2024, as a major milestone in bilateral relations.
Brokered with support from Turkey, the agreement represents a new era of diplomatic engagement and mutual respect between the two countries, focusing on maritime issues, economic growth, and regional peace.
“With Turkey playing a pivotal role in facilitating the agreement, the two neighboring countries — bound by deep historical and cultural ties — have embarked on a new chapter of cooperation,” the report stated.
Key Outcomes of the Ankara Agreement:
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Maritime Cooperation: Ethiopia reiterated its intention to pursue access to the sea while respecting Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
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Economic Partnership: Somalia expressed readiness to support sustainable cooperation in trade, infrastructure, and security.
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Security Collaboration: Both countries pledged to strengthen their efforts in combating terrorism and fostering peace in the Horn of Africa.
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Infrastructure Development: Plans were outlined to enhance economic connectivity, including trade routes, ports, and cross-border infrastructure projects.
High-Level Diplomatic Engagements
As part of the growing diplomatic engagement, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud recently visited Addis Ababa, where he held bilateral talks with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. In return, Prime Minister Abiy had previously visited Mogadishu, marking a significant moment in diplomatic relations between the two countries. During these high-level meetings, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation in the areas of security, trade, investment, and infrastructure development.
Furthermore, the Somali president was among the distinguished guests invited to the inauguration ceremony of Ethiopia’s Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).
His participation in the ribbon-cutting ceremony was widely viewed as a symbol of renewed trust and mutual understanding between the two nations. In his interview, President Hassan Sheikh emphasized that the dam “will not harm anyone” and underscored that Ethiopia’s development brings opportunities for Somalia as well, given the nations’ shared border and intertwined economies.
A Path Forward for the Horn of Africa
The Somali and Ethiopian governments appear to be laying the groundwork for a new era of cooperation, one focused on regional stability, shared development, and peaceful resolution of disputes.
The recent series of engagements suggests a mutual recognition that dialogue, not confrontation, is the key to resolving long-standing geopolitical and economic challenges in the Horn of Africa.
In conclusion, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s supportive stance on Ethiopia’s maritime ambitions — framed within the context of respect for Somalia’s sovereignty — is being heralded as a pragmatic and forward-looking approach. As both countries move ahead with renewed trust, the broader region stands to benefit from enhanced cooperation and lasting peace.