By The Smartencyclopedia Staff & Agencies

Nairobi – Kenyan President William Ruto extended a warm welcome to Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Wednesday, marking the Ethiopian leader’s first state visit to Kenya since 2020. The meeting between the two leaders was poised to delve into various topics, with a significant focus on Ethiopia’s negotiations with the breakaway region of Somaliland to secure access to a seaport.

On January 1, Ethiopia and Somaliland signed a memorandum of understanding that has stirred tensions with Somalia. The document has strained relations, with Somalia vehemently opposing it, citing territorial concerns as it considers Somaliland part of its territory. Somaliland, in turn, asserts that Ethiopia has committed to recognizing its independence in exchange for access to a naval port.

Abiy Ahmed’s visit to Nairobi follows Kenyan President Ruto’s trip to Addis Ababa for the 37th African Union Summit of Heads of State and Government on February 16. During the summit, Ethiopia and Kenya finalized a strategic framework aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation in key areas of economic and social development.

The agreements reached include the removal of unnecessary checkpoints, customs protocols, and systems at the Moyale One-Stop Border Post, streamlining cross-border processes between the two nations. The talks between Ruto and Abiy Ahmed are expected to build upon these agreements and further solidify diplomatic ties and economic collaboration between Ethiopia and Kenya.

The negotiation between Ethiopia and Somaliland for access to a seaport continues to be a sensitive issue, given Somalia’s strong opposition. The outcome of the discussions in Nairobi may have broader implications for regional stability and cooperation.