By Asha Elmi - Reporter
Switzerland, 23 January 2026 - Somaliland has reaffirmed its recognition of Ethiopia’s need for access to the sea, commercial ports, and regional trade corridors, highlighting growing economic and security cooperation between the two sides.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Davos 2026 forum on Thursday, Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi ‘Irro’ said Somaliland maintains a strong, friendly relationship with Ethiopia and seeks to expand collaboration in trade and security.
Ethiopia, a landlocked country with a population of more than 110 million, has long relied on regional ports to support its fast-growing economy. Irro noted that while Ethiopia has traditionally depended on Djibouti, Somaliland’s Berbera port now offers an additional strategic outlet.
“I think we recognize Ethiopia’s need for access to the sea, commercial ports, and corridors,” Irro said, adding that Somaliland is ready to work jointly with Ethiopia to develop economic infrastructure that benefits both sides.
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He emphasized that improved port access and transport corridors are essential for Ethiopia’s economic growth, while Somaliland stands to gain from increased trade, investment, and regional economic integration.
In 2024, Somaliland signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ethiopia, granting landlocked Ethiopia access to the Red Sea via the port of Berbera for commercial and military naval purposes.
In exchange, Ethiopia was expected to formally recognize Somaliland as an independent state. However, the agreement stalled after the Federal Government of Somalia vehemently objected the arrangement terming it an infringement to its sovereignty.
