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Ethiopia and Somalia have agreed to restore and enhance bilateral relations, signaling a major move toward alleviating recent diplomatic strains between the two countries.

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced the agreement on Saturday, January 11, following talks in Addis Ababa. Mohamud was on a working visit in Ethiopia.

As per the agreement, full diplomatic representation in each country’s capital will help to “restore and enhance” bilateral relations.

This breakthrough follows Turkish-mediated talks in December 2024, where the leaders signed the Ankara Declaration, committing to dialogue and regional stability.

Tensions flared in early 2024 when Ethiopia signed a memorandum with “Somaliland”, granting access to the Red Sea in exchange for its recognition of “Somaliland”,  a self-declared region of Somalia, as an independent state. Somalia asserted that the agreement holds no legal validity.

Saturday’s joint statement reaffirmed unity, with both leaders emphasizing mutual respect and cooperation. Security agencies were directed to deepen collaboration, as the Ankara Declaration technical negotiations are set for February to solidify agreements.

The Addis Ababa meeting signals a shift toward resolving disputes through diplomacy while addressing the region’s complex security and developmental challenges.