Ethiopia and Somalia Welcome Military Agreement as Key to Regional Stability

Somalia and Ethiopia welcomed a military agreement between their national forces as a vital step toward improving security and regional stability. Following a visit by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to Mogadishu, the two nations reaffirmed their historic ties and commitment to deeper diplomatic and economic cooperation. They also outlined plans for strategic infrastructure and collective efforts against extremism.

The governments of Somalia and Ethiopia have expressed their approval of a recent military agreement between the Somali National Army (SNA) and Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) commanders. They deemed this agreement as a significant advancement toward improving security cooperation and promoting regional stability. This declaration followed Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s visit to Mogadishu, which both parties celebrated as a reinforcement of their long-standing bilateral relations.

During the joint announcement, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Abiy highlighted their historical ties and the necessity of fostering trust through diplomatic, economic, and social collaboration. Their renewed engagement follows a phase of diplomatic tensions regarding Ethiopia’s Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Somaliland, which was perceived by Somalia as an infringement on its sovereignty.

Diplomatic relations improved after the Ankara Declaration, facilitated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The visit of President Mohamud to Ethiopia in January marked a crucial moment where both nations committed to full diplomatic representation alongside enhanced economic and security collaboration. Subsequently, Somalia approved Ethiopia’s participation in the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia, reversing its previous stance.

The latest communiqué underlined the initiation of technical discussions in Ankara while reaffirming their commitment to cooperative dialogue. Both sides outlined plans for strategic infrastructure projects intended to bolster economic integration and sustainable development. In response to the looming threats from extremist militant groups, there was a mutual pledge to enhance collaboration in promoting regional peace and stability.

The commitment to work together to advance mutual interests is palpable, as both parties strive to deepen their bilateral relations and bolster regional stability and prosperity.

The agreement between the Somali National Army and the Ethiopian National Defense Forces signals a crucial development in the quest for enhanced security cooperation and regional stability. Following a series of diplomatic interactions, Somalia and Ethiopia are now focused on strengthening their ties through comprehensive talks and collaborative projects, crucial for future peace and stability in the region.

Original Source: addisstandard.com