ADDIS ABABA, (HAN) — Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, commonly known as Irro, is scheduled to travel to Ethiopia on Monday for an official visit, the Somaliland presidency announced.
The visit follows a formal invitation from the Federal Government of Ethiopia and is seen as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral relations between the two neighboring territories in the Horn of Africa.
This will be President Irro’s first trip to Ethiopia since his election on November 13, 2024. Officials say discussions are expected to focus on political cooperation, regional security, and economic partnerships, highlighting the strategic importance of collaboration between Somaliland and Ethiopia.
Analysts say the visit could pave the way for deeper trade ties and closer coordination on security issues, particularly in addressing cross-border threats. Ethiopia, a key player in regional stability, and Somaliland, which continues to expand its international engagement despite lacking formal recognition, both stand to benefit from enhanced cooperation.
While no detailed itinerary has been released, the summit is expected to include meetings with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and other senior officials.
The visit comes amid heightened tensions in the region. Somalia’s federal government recently criticized Ethiopia for signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Somaliland regarding access to the Red Sea, calling the agreement an “act of aggression.” The MOU reportedly includes provisions that could allow Ethiopia to recognize Somaliland’s independence in exchange for military access to the coast.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia over 30 years ago but remains unrecognized internationally. Nevertheless, it maintains informal diplomatic and economic ties with several countries, and this visit underscores its continuing efforts to strengthen its international presence.
