The visit, requested by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, follows an agreement mediated by Turkey last month to defuse diplomatic disputes between the two nations.
Ethiopia’s interest in gaining sea access and a prior deal with Somalia’s breakaway Somaliland region had strained relations. The Ankara peace deal, however, signaled a new chapter of cooperation. While details about Ethiopia's potential sea access remain unclear, both nations appear committed to strengthening ties.
Meanwhile, tensions persist as Somalia strengthens ties with Egypt and Eritrea, both of whom share concerns over Ethiopia's regional ambitions, particularly regarding access to the Red Sea. During a meeting in Cairo, Somalia joined Egypt and Eritrea in affirming that only coastal nations should have a say in the Red Sea's security. This growing alignment has also extended to military cooperation, with Egyptian troops joining the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia.