MOGADISHU, Somalia – After what seemed like an endless stalemate, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has touched down in Somalia, turning a new page in regional diplomacy. The backdrop? A once-bitter rift over Ethiopia’s maritime ambitions involving the Red Sea—an issue finally laid to rest after comprehensive dialogues.

Traveling on the wings of Ethiopian Airlines, PM Abiy arrived at the buzzing Aden Abdulle International Airport. Perched on the edge of recent turbulence, just hours prior, the airport weathered a mortar attack—a jarring reminder of Somalia’s ongoing challenges. Yet, amidst this turmoil, the sight of the Ethiopian leader marked a hopeful pivot for the Horn of Africa.

On the runway, security was palpable, a fortress-like atmosphere greeting him as he was warmly received by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. It was an emblem of newfound camaraderie. Roads leading to key government buildings were sealed, with every gateway guarded, a testament to the importance and sensitivity of the occasion.

In the heart of Mogadishu, the leaders are poised for substantial conversations. Once adversaries in thought and treaty, Abiy Ahmed and Hassan Sheikh aim to chart a course focusing on invigorating trade relations and mending diplomatic bridges. Can two nations bound by geography, yet often divided by history, truly recast ties for the better? The state media certainly believes so.

“President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud received Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed upon his arrival in Mogadishu. Their meeting will focus on enhancing security cooperation, boosting trade partnerships, and deepening diplomatic ties,” declared the state media.

Indeed, the visit speaks volumes. It signifies a shared vision towards regional harmony and economic resilience, resonating with the nation’s intent made clear by the state media’s proclamation.

Adding complexity to the narrative, Somalia recently allied itself with Egypt and Eritrea—Ethiopia’s enduring adversaries—in a newly minted Tripartite agreement led by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi. This move had summoned whispers and ripples across the diplomatic corridors of Addis Ababa, beckoning for careful navigation.

The icy void between Ethiopia and Somalia found its thaw in Turkey. Here, diplomatic duets birthed a resolution: technical committees dedicated to forging a sustainable path, granting Ethiopia a coveted trade outlet while safeguarding Somalia’s sovereign borders.

An anecdote that piques the curiosity: Just days before this significant visit, General Burham Jula, Ethiopia’s Chief of the Defence Forces, charted his own course to Mogadishu, laying the groundwork for military cooperation. His journey heralded a significant step—approving Ethiopia’s participation in the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), a gesture teetering on the edge of transformative bilateral relations.