Somaliland’s Ambassador-designate to Ethiopia, Ambassador Sharmake Gelle, has reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening diplomatic relations and longstanding ties between Somaliland and Ethiopia following a meeting with Ethiopia’s representative, Ambassador Teshome Shunde, at the Ethiopian Mission in Somaliland.
In a statement following the meeting, Ambassador Sharmake Gelle expressed appreciation to Ambassador Shunde for the warm reception and conveyed his gratitude to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia for its encouraging wishes as he prepares to begin his diplomatic assignment in Addis Ababa.
“It was a true pleasure to be received by my brother, H.E. Amb. Teshome Shunde, at the Ethiopian Mission in Somaliland,” Gelle said, describing the engagement as a reflection of the friendship and mutual respect underpinning relations between the two sides.
He emphasised that strong relations between nations depend not only on geographical proximity but also on mutual respect, trust and the commitment of diplomatic representatives to nurturing those ties.
“The strength of relations between nations rests not on geography alone, but on the mutual respect and trust cultivated by those who steward them,” he stated.
Ambassador Gelle said he was honoured to assume the responsibility of advancing these relations and expressed readiness to work closely with Ethiopian counterparts to further deepen the longstanding bonds of friendship between the two nations and their peoples.
His remarks underscore the importance Somaliland attaches to its diplomatic engagement with neighbouring Ethiopia, particularly as Ambassador Gelle prepares to take up his assignment in Addis Ababa.