Ethiopia and Somalia Forge Military Agreement to Enhance Regional Stability

Somalia and Ethiopia have signed a military agreement that is seen as a crucial advancement in security cooperation. Following Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s visit to Mogadishu, leaders from both nations emphasized the significance of restoring diplomatic relations and aligning on security initiatives. They acknowledged the evolving threats posed by extremist groups and outlined plans for strategic infrastructure projects to enhance regional stability and integration.

The governments of Somalia and Ethiopia have expressed their approval of the military agreement established between the Somali National Army and Ethiopian National Defense Forces. Both nations consider this agreement a pivotal development in enhancing security cooperation and fostering greater regional stability.

Following Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s visit to Mogadishu, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Abiy acknowledged the visit as a significant step towards normalizing bilateral relations after a period of tension. They emphasized the enduring historical ties between their countries and the necessity for stronger diplomatic, economic, and social collaboration.

The recent agreement comes in the wake of prior diplomatic strains arising from Ethiopia’s Memorandum of Understanding with Somaliland, which Somalia perceived as a breach of sovereignty. Initially, Somalia excluded Ethiopian participation in the African Union’s mission and sought closer military relations with Egypt. However, these tensions began to diminish following the Ankara Declaration facilitated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

To conclude, the military agreement between Somalia and Ethiopia signifies a landmark shift towards improved cooperation, highlighting the commitment of both nations to enhance security and foster stability in the region. Their joint efforts underscore a renewed focus on diplomatic relations, economic collaboration, and infrastructure development, essential for overcoming common challenges posed by extremist groups. The dialogue is anticipated to strengthen bilateral ties, paving the way for lasting peace and progress in the Horn of Africa.

Original Source: addisstandard.com