Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed arrived in Somalia's capital Mogadishu on Thursday to hold discussions with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Somalia's presidency said, following a thaw in icy relations.

Ethiopia's leader is visiting Somalia on Thursday, a trip that signifies improving relations between the two neighbors after a sharp rise in tensions last year. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia was welcomed in the Somali capital of Mogadishu by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

Abiy Ahmed meets with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Mogadishu, as their nations try to mend relations strained by Ethiopia’s deal for sea access with Somaliland

Several mortars were fired toward the airport in the Somali capital, as the city prepares for a visit from Ethiopian Prime Minister, local media reported. According to the Somali Stream website, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was at the airport’s VIP area to welcome Abiy when the incident took place.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed traveled to neighboring Somalia for talks with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud as the two nations mend ties strained by a dispute over Addis Ababa’s quest to gain access to a port.

Ethiopia’s Premier Abiy Ahmed pays first visit to Somalia since Ankara Declaration in December - Anadolu Ajansı