Somalia, Ethiopia leaders discuss security, trade and Horn of Africa stability

ADDIS ABABA — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud held talks with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in Addis Ababa on Monday, with the two leaders discussing economic cooperation, security collaboration, and regional stability, according to official statements.

The meeting focused on strengthening the longstanding relationship between Somalia and Ethiopia, expanding cooperation in security, trade, and development, and coordinating efforts to promote peace and stability across the Horn of Africa.

During the talks, Hassan Sheikh, whose term in office ended last May, congratulated Abiy on his party's victory in Ethiopia's recent elections and wished him success in advancing the country's development and stability.

In a post on X, Abiy said he had held bilateral talks with Hassan Sheikh on "economic ties, security and regional stability," adding that cooperation between the two countries is "anchored in trust and mutual respect."

The visit marks Hassan Sheikh's first foreign trip since Somalia's parliament approved a controversial one-year extension of state institutions' mandates in May, a move that drew criticism from opposition groups.

GAROWE ONLINE