By Horn Africa News
Addis Ababa — Somalia and Ethiopia convened a high-technical review meeting on Friday in Addis Ababa, aiming to deepen their bilateral relationship and accelerate the implementation of agreements made during the inaugural Joint Ministerial Committee session held earlier in Mogadishu.
The meeting brought together senior government officials and technical experts from both countries. The Somali delegation was led by the Director General for East African Social Affairs, while the Ethiopian side included key officials from relevant ministries and agencies. This technical review is designed to assess progress on previously signed agreements and to map out the next steps for further cooperation.
Focus Areas of Cooperation
At the core of the discussions were three major pillars:
1. Strengthening People-to-People Ties:
Both delegations emphasized the historical and cultural bonds between the Somali and Ethiopian peoples. The review explored ways to enhance social, educational, and cultural exchanges to foster greater mutual understanding and friendship across borders.
2. Expanding Trade and Economic Partnerships:
A major focus of the meeting was the enhancement of economic collaboration. Delegates discussed initiatives to boost cross-border trade, ease customs procedures, and attract investment in sectors such as agriculture, transport, and manufacturing. They also explored joint infrastructure projects that could benefit both countries, such as road and railway links.
3. Deepening Political and Diplomatic Coordination:
The review session reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to translating diplomatic goodwill into practical cooperation. This includes closer collaboration in regional security, counterterrorism efforts, and sustainable development initiatives across the Horn of Africa.
Background and Significance
The Addis Ababa review comes at a crucial moment in Somali-Ethiopian relations. Earlier this year, both nations agreed to fully restore diplomatic ties following tensions sparked by Ethiopia’s controversial port deal with the self-declared independent region of Somaliland. Somalia strongly rejected the agreement, viewing it as a breach of its national sovereignty.
However, a breakthrough was achieved through mediation led by Turkey, resulting in a landmark agreement to reset relations and move forward with mutual respect and cooperation. This new framework focuses on shared interests in peace, regional stability, and economic development.
Moving Forward
The technical review marks a significant step in turning diplomatic pledges into actionable plans. Officials from both sides expressed optimism about the future of the relationship, emphasizing that joint implementation mechanisms will be critical in translating the dialogue into tangible benefits for the citizens of both countries.
The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of commitment to holding regular follow-ups and working groups to monitor progress and resolve emerging challenges swiftly. There is also talk of planning a second Joint Ministerial Committee meeting in Addis Ababa later this year to continue the momentum.
As the Horn of Africa faces numerous security and development challenges, the strengthening of Somali-Ethiopian cooperation is widely seen as a positive move toward regional integration and long-term stability.
