Djibouti’s government has described the visit as a reflection of shared goals and longstanding friendship between the two sides.

President Irro was welcomed at Djibouti’s international airport by Prime Minister Abdoulkader Kamil Mohamed, who praised the visit as a gesture of goodwill and mutual interest.

“On behalf of President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, this visit symbolizes trust and friendship,” said Prime Minister Kamil. “In a world filled with uncertainty, this meeting reflects both sides’ commitment to building bridges, enhancing dialogue, and promoting peace.”

Irro then met president Guelleh in the presidential palace.

During the three-day visit, President Irro is scheduled to hold talks with President Guelleh, following an official invitation extended by Djibouti.

The agenda is expected to focus on repairing ties that soured after Somaliland signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ethiopia in January 2024.

READ MORE: Somaliland protests against Djibouti’s alleged sabotage of Ethiopia MOU

That deal, signed under former President Muse Bihi Abdi, offered Ethiopia port access and potentially a naval presence along Somaliland’s coast—moves Djibouti strongly opposed.

Djiboutian officials saw the MoU as a threat to their economic lifeline.

Nearly 95% of Ethiopia’s imports and exports pass through Djibouti’s ports, especially the Port of Doraleh, making Ethiopia its largest customer and a pillar of the country’s economy.

Somaliland, strategically located next to both Djibouti and Ethiopia, offers a shorter route to the Red Sea via the ports of Berbera and Zeila.

Over the past several years, Somaliland has invested heavily in modernizing its Berbera Port, positioning it as a viable alternative for Ethiopia’s trade needs.

While in Djibouti, President Irro is also expected to discuss cross-border security cooperation, trade integration, and the possible revival of the stalled talks between Somaliland and Somalia, which Hargeisa suspended earlier this year.

Both Djibouti and Somaliland are competing to serve Ethiopia’s growing trade demands. Ethiopia, in turn, has been actively pursuing a port under its full control and is reportedly interested in establishing a military base on the Red Sea.

President Irro has signaled that Somaliland is prepared to finalize a comprehensive trade agreement with Ethiopia later this year.

Following his visit to Djibouti, he is expected to travel to Addis Ababa for an official visit, where discussions will likely focus on security and economic cooperation.

Despite Somaliland’s lack of international recognition, President Irrojust last week emphasized that his administration remains open to forging strong bilateral ties.

“I thank the countries that have maintained security and economic relations with us, including Ethiopia, Djibouti, Kenya, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and Taiwan,” he said.

The post From Tension to Talks: Irro Visits Djibouti After Ethiopia Port Fallout appeared first on Kaab TV.

He mentioned meeting with Djibouti’s Foreign Minister, Mahmoud Ali Yusuf, and President Ismail Omar Guelleh to discuss trade, port utilization, regional security, and political developments.

Currently, Somalia’s President is also in Djibouti, and reports indicate discussions are ongoing about Ethiopian troops joining the AU mission in Somalia – AUSSOM- in 2025, as well as the recent Ethiopia-Somalia agreement reached in Ankara, Turkey.

#Ethiopian Foreign Minister, Gedion Timothewos, currently in Djibouti, stated that he held discussions on bilateral issues and ways to cooperate on regional security and political matters.

He mentioned meeting with #Djibouti‘s Foreign Minister, Mahmoud Ali Yusuf, and President… pic.twitter.com/T0E9SE3FGJ

— Kaab TV (@KaabTV) December 30, 2024

“I came here to discuss bilateral issues and how we could cooperate on some regional security and political matters. We have discussed a range of issues with both the minister and the president,” Timothewos stated.

Minister Timothewos noted that the discussions so far went well.

“We have updated the president on the discussions we had earlier this morning with my brother, the foreign minister, on trade, port utilization, regional security, and political developments. We are very pleased with the constructive and productive discussions we have had,” the minister stated.

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