Political Diplomacy: Somalia, Ethiopia, Italy Unite in Tripartite Talks

Somali President's Visit Sparks New Dialogue Amid Ethiopia-Somalia Relations

ADDIS ABABA - In a bid to strengthen diplomatic, economic, and security relations, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to attend a tripartite meeting between Somalia, Ethiopia, and Italy. This event comes at a time when the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a report on the relationship between Somalia and Ethiopia, in addition to details about the recent trip of the Vice President of Ethiopia to Somalia.

During his visit, President Mohamud will participate in discussions focusing on reforming cooperation between the three nations and unifying their plans to address shared challenges. The leaders aim to develop actionable solutions to the issues these countries face collectively.

Earlier in April 2023, an Ethiopian delegation led by the Vice President of the Prosperity Party, Adam Farah, paid a working visit to Somalia. Upon their arrival in Mogadishu, Somali Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abshir Omar Jama, and Mukhtar Muhammad Ware, Ambassador Plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Ethiopia to Somalia, welcomed the delegation.

The primary purpose of the Ethiopian delegation's visit was to deliver a message from Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed to Dr. Hassan Sheikh Mahmud, President of the Federal Republic of Somalia. Additionally, the delegation held discussions on current issues surrounding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and various bilateral matters, particularly the resolution passed by the Council of Ministers of the League of Arab States on March 9, 2023, concerning the GERD.

Ethiopia expressed its disapproval of Egypt submitting the GERD issue before the Arab League, effectively bypassing the African Union. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud emphasized Ethiopia's long-standing support for peace in Somalia, expressing gratitude on behalf of the Somali people and government.

Furthermore, President Mohamud highlighted Somalia's clear and unchanging stance on the Renaissance Dam issue, encouraging the concerned countries to engage in dialogue and resolve their differences. He acknowledged Somalia's dependence on water from Ethiopia, calling for discussions on joint management of these shared resources. President Mohamud also commended Ethiopia's progress in producing irrigated wheat and assured that no action harming Ethiopia would originate from Somalia.

This tripartite meeting in Addis Ababa signifies an essential step towards enhanced cooperation and mutual support between Somalia, Ethiopia, and Italy, as they work together to address pressing regional and global challenges.

GAROWE ONLINE