ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Wednesday received US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, and US Africa Command (AFRICOM) Commander Gen. Dagvin Anderson to discuss bilateral relations and regional cooperation, Ethiopian officials said.

Abiy described the talks as constructive and grounded in mutual respect, according to a statement released after the meeting.

The US delegation also held separate meetings with Ethiopia’s Defense Minister Aisha Mohammed, and Foreign Minister Gedion Timotheos, focusing on strengthening diplomatic and military ties.

In a statement, Ethiopia’s Defense Ministry said both sides agreed to work together to safeguard national interests and address regional security challenges, including counterterrorism efforts.

The visit coincided with celebrations marking the 90th anniversary of the Ethiopian Air Force, which were attended by the US officials.

Gen. Anderson said the visit reaffirmed the long-standing relationship between Ethiopia and the US, and helped establish a framework for future security cooperation in the Horn of Africa.

The meetings came amid renewed regional diplomacy following a Jan. 16 letter from US President Donald Trump to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi, proposing renewed talks over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, Africa’s largest hydroelectric project.

According to reports, the letter -- also shared with regional leaders-- offered to restart mediation efforts aimed at resolving long-running disputes over Nile water sharing.