(MENAFN) Ethiopia’s newly appointed envoy to Somalia, Suleiman Dedefo, has formally delivered his credentials to Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, marking a move toward normalizing diplomatic relations after several months of strained interactions.

The discord emerged after Ethiopia inked a memorandum of understanding with Somaliland, Somalia’s separatist region, in January 2024.

This agreement reportedly provided Ethiopia with access to the Red Sea through Somaliland’s shores in return for prospective recognition of Somaliland as an independent entity, accompanied by related security arrangements.

Somalia, which regards Somaliland as part of its sovereign lands, condemned the agreement as an infringement on its territorial integrity.

Diplomatic relations stayed tense until December 2024, when Ethiopia and Somalia endorsed the Ankara Declaration, a pact facilitated by Turkey that helped ease hostilities and established a foundation for renewed communication.

The declaration encompassed pledges to honor each other’s sovereignty and to maintain technical discussions regarding Ethiopia’s pursuit of maritime access.

Ambassador Dedefo stated, “I had the honor to present my letter of credence to H.E. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, President of the Federal Republic of Somalia.”

He added, “On the occasion, we discussed strengthening diplomatic ties, boosting economic relations and enhancing security cooperation.”

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