In a recent phone call on June 12, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Qatar’s leader, Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, discussed ways to strengthen the cooperative ties between their countries. The conversation also touched on key regional and international developments of mutual interest.
As part of Qatar’s efforts to enhance relations in the region, the Amir also spoke with President Hassan Sheikh Mahmud of Somalia to discuss bilateral cooperation and strategies for further collaboration. This highlights Qatar’s diplomatic engagement in the area and its importance as a key player in regional affairs.
The discussions between Ethiopia, Somalia, and Qatar come in the context of recent strained relations between Ethiopia and Somalia following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Ethiopia and Somaliland earlier this year. This agreement prompted President Hassan Sheikh to seek support from Arab countries, including Qatar, to denounce the MoU.
Ethiopia has also been strengthening its ties with Qatar, particularly in the military sector, with discussions on military cooperation and technology. This was seen in the meeting between Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs and Ethiopia’s senior defense officials.
Moreover, Ethiopia’s Minister of Finance recently visited Doha to deliver a message from Prime Minister Abiy to the Emir of Qatar, highlighting the ongoing diplomatic engagement between the two countries.
It is worth noting that Prime Minister Abiy and Amir Sheikh Tamim had a face-to-face meeting in March 2023, where they discussed various bilateral issues of mutual interest. This demonstrates the depth of the relationship between Ethiopia and Qatar.
These diplomatic engagements underscore the evolving dynamics in the region and the importance of building strong partnerships to address shared challenges and opportunities. The historical context of the relationships between these countries also adds a layer of significance to their current interactions.
