ADDIS ABABA, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopian and Somali officials have reiterated common commitments to ensuring peace and stability in Somalia and the region as the two countries solidify ties on the backdrop of recent diplomatic tensions.

This came during the meeting between officials of the two countries as a high-level Ethiopian delegation led by Ethiopian Minister of Defense Aisha Mohammed made an official working visit to Somalia, the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement issued Friday.

According to the ministry, the Ethiopian delegation held "fruitful discussions" with senior Somali officials, including the country's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. It said the discussions "reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to working together to ensure peace and stability in Somalia and the region."

The two countries "agreed to collaborate on the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia and strengthen bilateral relations." They also agreed to enhance exchanges of visits and discussions among officials of the two countries, according to the statement.

Reiterating Ethiopia's commitment to contributing to the peace and stability of Somalia, Ethiopia's defense minister stressed that combating terrorism is a key area of cooperation between the two Horn of Africa countries.

Somali Minister of Defense Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur expressed his appreciation and gratitude for the Ethiopian Defense Forces' sacrifices and contributions to ensuring peace in Somalia, according to the statement.

Tensions had been escalating between Ethiopia and Somalia after Ethiopia and Somaliland reportedly signed an agreement earlier in 2024, allowing Ethiopia access to the Red Sea in exchange for its recognition of Somaliland, a self-declared region of Somalia, as an independent state. Somalia said the agreement is legally invalid.

After a period of mounting diplomatic tensions, leaders of Ethiopia and Somalia reached an agreement last month after Turkish-mediated negotiations in Ankara, marking a breakthrough in resolving recent misunderstandings.

Following the agreement, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Mohamud issued a joint statement emphasizing the importance of cooperation and dialogue between the two countries.

Both leaders reaffirmed their respect for and commitment to each other's sovereignty, unity, independence, and territorial integrity. They also agreed to work together to finalize arrangements that would grant Ethiopia access to and from the sea. Enditem

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