(MENAFN) Ethiopia’s newly appointed ambassador to Somalia, Suleiman Dedefo, has formally handed over his credentials to Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, marking a significant step toward easing diplomatic strains between the two nations.

The diplomatic fallout erupted after Ethiopia signed a memorandum of understanding with Somaliland, a self-declared breakaway region of Somalia, in January 2024. The agreement reportedly granted Ethiopia access to the Red Sea through Somaliland’s coast in exchange for future recognition of Somaliland’s independence and related security arrangements.

Somalia, which regards Somaliland as part of its sovereign territory, condemned the agreement as a breach of its national integrity.

Relations between Ethiopia and Somalia remained tense until December 2024, when both countries signed the Ankara Declaration—a Turkish-mediated pact that reduced hostilities and set the stage for renewed diplomatic engagement.

The agreement included pledges to respect each other’s sovereignty and to continue technical discussions concerning Ethiopia’s quest for sea access.

“I had the honor to present my letter of credence to H.E. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, President of the Federal Republic of Somalia,” Ambassador Dedefo said. “On the occasion, we discussed strengthening diplomatic ties, boosting economic relations and enhancing security cooperation.”

The arrival of Ambassador Dedefo is part of a larger push to restore trust between the neighboring Horn of Africa states, which have resumed high-level communications and vowed to resolve outstanding disputes.

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