Ethiopia’s President Taye Atske Selassie received Israeli President Isaac Herzog at the Presidential Palace on Wednesday during Herzog's two-day visit to strengthen political and diplomatic ties between the two nations. The visit comes shortly after Israel's controversial recognition of Somaliland as an independent state, raising concerns and interest in how Ethiopia may respond to similar diplomatic moves. As Ethiopia signed an agreement with Somaliland in 2024 to gain access to its port, there are speculations that Herzog might urge Ethiopia to follow suit in recognizing Somaliland's independence.

The diplomatic visit highlights Israel's ambitions to increase its influence in the Horn of Africa, a region where geopolitical interests are often contested. Meanwhile, other nations, particularly Turkey, have expressed opposition to the recognition of Somaliland, suggesting that such moves could exacerbate regional instability. Turkey's President Erdogan has warned Ethiopia against endorsing Somaliland's independence, aiming to preserve the existing regional balance and alliances in the Horn of Africa.

During discussions on broader Middle Eastern issues, Selassie reaffirmed Ethiopia's support for a two-state solution regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, indicating a common ground in addressing long-standing regional issues. The outcomes of these talks are likely to influence Ethiopia’s foreign policy direction and its role in balancing relations with both the Middle East and the Horn of Africa, amidst ongoing diplomatic negotiations and tensions.