President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Irro) receives an official state welcome at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa, marking a new chapter in Somaliland–Ethiopia diplomatic relations.
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![Enlarged view of President Irro's state welcome in Addis Ababa]()
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ADDIS ABABA — The President of the Republic of Somaliland, His Excellency Dr. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Irro), accompanied by a high-level delegation, arrived in Addis Ababa, the capital city of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, following an official invitation extended by Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed.
Upon arrival at Bole International Airport, President Irro and his delegation received a warm and high-level official welcome. They were greeted by Ethiopia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Gedion Timotheos, alongside senior officials from the Ethiopian Federal Government.
The welcoming ceremony reflected the depth and respect of the long-standing relationship between Somaliland and Ethiopia. The President was accorded a full state protocol, symbolizing the significance both governments attach to their historic partnership and mutual interests.
After the formal reception, the President and his delegation were escorted to the VIP lounge at Bole International Airport, where they held a brief rest and engaged in cordial discussions with Ethiopian officials before proceeding to their official residence in Addis Ababa.
This visit marks a new chapter in Somaliland’s diplomatic engagement and further underscores its commitment to strengthening ties with neighboring Ethiopia — a strategic partner in trade, regional stability, and infrastructure cooperation.
Somaliland and Ethiopia share a long history of mutual respect, strategic cooperation, and people-to-people connection. Over the decades, their relationship has grown through close collaboration in security, trade, education, and cross-border development.
President Irro’s visit, coming shortly after his recent return from the United Arab Emirates and following the Somali Federal Government’s separate trip to Ethiopia, highlights the independent and confident nature of Somaliland’s foreign policy. It also signals the nation’s rising diplomatic profile and determination to advance its international recognition efforts through peaceful engagement and regional leadership.
During his stay, the President is expected to hold a series of high-level meetings with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and senior Ethiopian officials to discuss regional security, economic partnership, infrastructure connectivity, and future collaboration between the two nations.
Analysts describe the visit as a sign of growing trust and political alignment between Hargeisa and Addis Ababa — one that could bring expanded cooperation on trade routes such as the Berbera–Addis corridor, a vital lifeline for regional commerce.
President Irro’s administration continues to emphasize Somaliland’s role as a peaceful, democratic, and responsible state that contributes positively to the Horn of Africa’s stability. This official trip to Ethiopia reinforces that vision and reaffirms the President’s commitment to strengthening Somaliland’s international standing and safeguarding its sovereignty.
The government and people of Somaliland view the visit as a symbol of national pride and progress, reflecting the confidence of a country that continues to act as a sovereign and legitimate state on the world stage.
At the conclusion of his arrival, the Presidential Spokesman, Mr. Hussein Aden Igeh (Deyr), expressed gratitude for the warm reception extended by the Ethiopian government and reaffirmed that Somaliland remains dedicated to advancing cooperation rooted in mutual respect, peace, and prosperity.
> “All praise belongs to Allah,” he stated, expressing appreciation for the success of the journey and the continued blessings upon the nation of Somaliland.
