Somalia and Ethiopia Renew Diplomatic Ties After Year-Long Rift

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Somalia and Ethiopia have officially agreed to restore diplomatic relations, following a significant thaw in their ties after a year-long dispute. This development comes on the heels of Somalia's severance of relations over an access agreement that Ethiopia signed with the separatist region of Somaliland.

The joint declaration was made after an unanticipated visit from Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to Ethiopia's capital, Addis Ababa. Both nations have committed to enhancing bilateral relations through the establishment of full diplomatic representation in their respective capitals.

Ethiopia's state minister for foreign affairs described the agreement as a "big milestone forward" for the relationship between the two countries. The fractured relations stemmed from a controversial memorandum Ethiopia signed with Somaliland earlier this year, which Somalia perceived as a threat to its territorial integrity. The memorandum allegedly included terms for Ethiopia to secure port access in exchange for recognizing Somaliland's independence—a claim not acknowledged by Somalia or the international community.

The diplomatic fallout had led to heightened tensions and the potential risk of undermining security cooperation against the militant group al-Shabaab in Somalia, where Ethiopian forces play a crucial role in peacekeeping operations. Despite prior plans to reconsider Ethiopian troop presence in Somalia, officials from both countries have indicated a willingness to resolve their differences through dialogue.

Discussions for reconciliation were reportedly facilitated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who hosted negotiations that resulted in a declaration aimed at addressing shared concerns. The recent engagement indicates a shift towards normalization, with further talks planned between the leaders to solidify cooperation in various spheres.

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