Mortars were fired toward Mogadishu airport during Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s visit, coinciding with heightened security measures in the city. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was at the airport to welcome Abiy when the incident occurred. The two leaders plan to discuss bilateral cooperation on various issues following the Ankara Declaration that resolved tensions between their countries.
Multiple mortar shells were launched toward the airport in Mogadishu, Somalia, coinciding with the visit of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. According to local reports, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was present at the airport’s VIP area to greet the Prime Minister when the attack occurred. In response to the threat, the city remains under a stringent lockdown to ensure maximum security.
Security officials, who requested anonymity due to media restrictions, reported that some projectiles landed near Mogadishu Aden Adde International Airport but did not confirm any casualties. The mortars were fired as Abiy arrived for his official visit, where he is expected to engage in discussions with President Mohamud on various bilateral topics, including enhancing security cooperation and trade relations between the two nations.
The visit follows the Ankara Declaration, an agreement reached in December that resolved a nearly year-long diplomatic standoff between Ethiopia and Somalia. This declaration was facilitated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during discussions held in Ankara. Following the declared efforts to improve relations, the two leaders are poised to exchange state visits to further their bilateral cooperation.
In summary, the mortar attack during Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s visit to Mogadishu highlights ongoing security concerns in the region. Despite the incident, both leaders aim to strengthen bilateral relations, focusing on cooperation in trade and security. The prior agreement reached in Ankara serves as a foundation for these discussions, indicating a significant diplomatic effort between Ethiopia and Somalia.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
