In a move that underscores the deepening partnership between Somaliland and Ethiopia, Somaliland’s Minister of Trade and Tourism, Abdirahman Hassan Nur, has wrapped up a high-level working visit to Addis Ababa. The visit culminated in a bilateral meeting with Ethiopia’s State Minister of Urban Development and Infrastructure, Fenta Dejen, aimed at advancing economic and infrastructural cooperation between the two neighbors.
The discussions, held at the State Minister’s office, focused on three key areas: strengthening bilateral relations, establishing frameworks for sustainable collaboration, and identifying priority projects in trade, urban development, and tourism. Both sides reaffirmed their shared interest in harnessing regional opportunities while addressing cross-border challenges.
Abdirahman expressed his gratitude for the warm reception in Ethiopia, describing the talks as a turning point in the two countries’ efforts to achieve joint prosperity. He emphasized Somaliland’s readiness to benefit from Ethiopia’s extensive experience in infrastructure as it pursues its own development agenda.
For his part, Dejen commended Somaliland’s resilience and progress, noting that Ethiopia values its longstanding ties with the territory. He described Somaliland as a “nation and people” for whom Ethiopia has a deep affinity, stressing that stronger cooperation would not only accelerate development but also contribute to regional stability and integration.
The meeting concluded with an exchange of symbolic gifts, reflecting mutual goodwill and the commitment to future projects. Analysts suggest that the agreements discussed could pave the way for joint urban planning initiatives, tourism promotion across the Horn of Africa, and improvements to cross-border trade routes that serve as lifelines for both economies.
The timing of this visit is particularly significant for Somaliland, which has been actively seeking international partnerships to boost economic resilience and expand infrastructure. Ethiopia, already a key trading partner with historic agreements on port access and commerce, is seen as an indispensable ally in advancing these goals.