Qatar’s emir holds consecutive talks with Somalia, Ethiopia leaders 

Qatar emir

MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Qatar’s emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Wednesday held consecutive phone conversations with Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed amid escalating tensions between the neighboring countries over Addis Ababa’s sea access deal with the break-away region of Somaliland. 

The Qatari emir discussed ways to increase cooperation and boost bilateral relations with the leaders of both countries, according to Qatar News Agency. 

The phone talks come amid a diplomatic row between Mogadishu and Addis Ababa over the latter’s move to lease a parcel of land along the Red Sea from Somaliland, in what Mogadishu called a blatant violation of its territorial integrity and an infringement on its sovereignty. 

It is not yet clear whether Doha is seeking to mediate talks between the two countries after attempts by Kenya and Djibouti to broker a deal ending the rift failed to make headway. 

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