Somaliland Reaffirms Ethiopia Ties, Says Berbera Port Ready for Expanded Use
Somaliland has reiterated its commitment to deepening cooperation with Ethiopia, with Foreign Minister Abdirahman Dahir Adan Bakal describing Addis Ababa as Somaliland's closest regional ally and reaffirming that the Berbera port remains available to support Ethiopia's maritime access needs.
Somaliland Foreign Minister meets Taiwan President Lai Ching-te during an official visit to Taiwan /Somaliland Ministry of Foreign Affairs
HARGEISA (Somali Report) — Somaliland's Foreign Minister Abdirahman Dahir Adan Bakal has reaffirmed the territory's close relationship with Ethiopia, saying the government remains open to discussions on sea access and expanded economic cooperation despite uncertainty surrounding the 2024 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two sides.
In an interview with Ethiopia's The Reporter, Bakal described Ethiopia as Somaliland's "closest friend" and said relations had remained strong under President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Cirro, who succeeded former President Muse Bihi Abdi.
The minister said Somaliland remains willing to discuss Ethiopia's maritime access needs and stressed that the Berbera Port and its trade corridor are ready for greater Ethiopian use.
"The port is ready for Ethiopia to use at any time," Bakal said, noting that the facility is currently operating below capacity.
The January 2024 MoU between Ethiopia and Somaliland generated regional controversy after it proposed granting Ethiopia access to the sea in exchange for potential recognition of Somaliland. Somalia rejected the agreement, arguing it violated its sovereignty. Subsequent Turkish-mediated talks between Ethiopia and Somalia produced limited progress.
While avoiding direct comments on the current status of the MoU, Bakal said Somaliland remains committed to cooperation with Ethiopia and understands the strategic importance of sea access for the landlocked nation.
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On Somaliland's international recognition campaign, the minister said Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates remain among Somaliland's closest partners. He expressed hope that more countries would eventually recognize Somaliland, but emphasized that Hargeisa would not pressure Ethiopia to take such a step.
"We believe Ethiopia has always been our friend and will always be our friend," he said.
Bakal also highlighted growing interest from Ethiopian entrepreneurs in Somaliland, particularly in construction and other business sectors, although he acknowledged that major Ethiopian investments have yet to materialize.
Addressing security concerns, the minister denied the presence of foreign military forces in Somaliland and described the Ethiopia-Somaliland border as one of the safest in the region.
He also called on the African Union and regional governments to revisit Somaliland's long-standing quest for international recognition, arguing that Somaliland has demonstrated stability, democratic governance, and peaceful coexistence over the past three decades.
Despite regional political complexities, Bakal said Somaliland's future remains closely linked with Ethiopia through trade, security cooperation, and people-to-people ties.
"We are always there for Ethiopia," he said. "They have always been there for us, and we will always be there for them."
About the Author
Mohamed Farah is a senior editor at Somali Report, based in London, covering geopolitics, trade, business, and security across the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region.