Garowe, Puntland – On Sunday, President Said Abdullahi Deni received Ethiopia’s newly appointed Consul to the region, Major General Tagesse Lambamo Dimbore, at the Ptesidential Palace in Garowe, marking the envoy’s first official engagement since taking office.
The meeting, held in a cordial atmosphere, focused on strengthening diplomatic ties and fostering practical cooperation between Puntland and Ethiopia. According to a statement from the Puntland Presidency, discussions centered on enhancing trade relations, security collaboration, and cross-border coordination — key areas that have long defined the relationship between the two neighboring territories.
President Deni welcomed the consul and expressed his appreciation for Ethiopia’s continued engagement with Puntland, emphasizing the importance of stable cross-border relations for regional peace and development. He noted that mutual understanding and cooperation were essential for addressing shared challenges such as smuggling, insecurity, and the movement of goods and people across the frontier.
Maj. Gen. Dimbore, for his part, conveyed Ethiopia’s commitment to deepening its ties with Puntland, describing the region as a crucial partner in maintaining stability and promoting economic growth along the Horn of Africa corridor. He reiterated his government’s readiness to work closely with Puntland authorities to improve communication and expand trade networks linking northeastern Somalia to Ethiopia’s eastern regions.
The visit comes at a time of renewed diplomatic activity across Somalia’s federal states, with regional administrations seeking stronger bilateral partnerships to bolster local economies and security frameworks. For Puntland, which maintains a history of pragmatic engagement with its neighbors, Sunday’s meeting underscored its intent to play an active role in shaping cross-border cooperation rooted in mutual respect and shared interests.
Both leaders concluded their talks by reaffirming their commitment to sustained dialogue and practical collaboration, signaling a fresh chapter in Puntland–Ethiopia relations amid the wider regional push for stability and economic integration.