(08-07-24) MOGADISHU (Halqabsi News) – President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud arrived in Asmara, the capital of Eritrea, today for an unannounced visit, and met with a warm welcome from Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki at the airport. The two leaders are expected to hold talks on strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation.
The surprise visit comes at a crucial time amidst strained relations between Somalia and Ethiopia, following a controversial agreement between Ethiopia and the breakaway region of Somaliland earlier this year. The Somali government vehemently rejected the agreement, which would grant Ethiopia access to the Red Sea through Somaliland.
President Mohamud’s previous visit to Eritrea in January also came shortly after the signing of the Ethiopia-Somaliland deal. With relations between Eritrea and Ethiopia deteriorating since the end of the Tigray conflict, Somalia’s ties with Eritrea are seen as increasingly important for both nations.
Halqabsi News
