Hassan Sheikh and Abiy Meet as Somalia-Ethiopia Relations Face Regional Challenges

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud [L] and Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed [R] meet in Turkey on November 11, 2026

ANTALYA, Turkey — Somalia's term-ended President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in the Turkish city of Antalya on Wednesday, ahead of the opening of the COP31 climate summit, as the two leaders discussed security and political developments in the Horn of Africa.

The meeting focused on Somalia’s security situation and broader regional developments, according to a statement from the Somali presidency.

The two leaders exchanged views on security challenges and political developments across the region, while underscoring the importance of continued dialogue and cooperation between their countries and other regional partners to promote peace and stability in the Horn of Africa.

The talks mark another high-level engagement between Mogadishu and Addis Ababa following a meeting between Hassan Sheikh and Abiy in the Ethiopian capital on September 29.

That meeting also focused on strengthening longstanding bilateral relations and expanding cooperation between the neighbouring countries.

Relations between Somalia and Ethiopia have faced tensions in recent years, particularly over Ethiopia’s January 2024 maritime agreement with Somaliland, which Somalia rejected as a violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The two countries subsequently signed the Ankara Declaration in December 2024, under Turkish mediation, agreeing to respect each other's sovereignty and pursue arrangements for Ethiopia's access to the sea through bilateral negotiations.

During his stay in Turkey, Hassan Sheikh is also expected to hold separate meetings with other world leaders attending the COP31 summit, according to the Somali presidency.

The climate conference is expected to run until November 20, bringing together government leaders and representatives from around the world to discuss global warming, climate financing and measures to support countries vulnerable to extreme weather events.

Somalia is among the African countries particularly exposed to climate-related shocks, including recurrent droughts, devastating floods and environmental degradation. These challenges have affected livelihoods, displaced communities and placed additional pressure on the country's already fragile humanitarian situation.

The Somali delegation includes ministers and the country's second deputy prime minister, who are expected to participate in discussions and meetings on climate change and its impact on vulnerable nations.

For Somalia, the summit offers an opportunity to highlight the country's growing climate challenges and press for greater international support for adaptation, resilience and recovery efforts.

GAROWE ONLINE