MOGADISHU, Somalia – Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is set to visit Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, on Thursday, February 27, 2025, as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral ties between the two nations.
During his visit, Abiy is expected to meet with Somali Federal Government officials to discuss key topics, including security, economic cooperation, and regional relations.
Abiy will also take part in discussions on security concerns in the Horn of Africa, with a focus on counterterrorism and bolstering Somalia’s stability.
Mogadishu security has been extremely tightened with additional forces deployed to the main roads ahead of Abiy’s visit, according to police sources.
Ethiopia is seeking to secure access to the sea through a new agreement with the Somali government after failing to realize its earlier Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Somaliland.
The contested deal, which could improve Ethiopia’s trade routes, has been a priority for Addis Ababa in light of its landlocked status.
The visit is seen as a significant step in deepening Ethiopia-Somalia relations, particularly in the areas of security and development.
The two countries recently resolved their maritime dispute through a mediation process in Ankara, which culminated in a landmark agreement on December 11, 2024, brokered by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
