Ethiopia and Somalia Strengthen Ties with New Military Agreement
Somalia and Ethiopia have announced a new military agreement, describing it as a vital step towards enhanced security cooperation and regional stability. Following Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s visit to Mogadishu, both countries are working to normalize bilateral relations after previous tensions due to Ethiopia’s actions with Somaliland. They aim to strengthen their diplomatic and economic ties while addressing security threats from extremist groups in the region.
The governments of Somalia and Ethiopia have hailed a newly reached understanding between the Somali National Army (SNA) and the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF). They characterized this agreement as a critical step towards enhancing security collaboration and fostering regional stability. This was articulated in a joint communiqué after Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s recent visit to Mogadishu, highlighting a move towards normalization of bilateral relations after a phase of diplomatic tensions.
During the visit, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Abiy emphasized the historical ties between their nations, noting the need for trust-building through enhanced diplomatic, economic, and social cooperation. This renewed engagement takes place after previous strains due to Ethiopia’s Memorandum of Understanding with Somaliland, which Somalia viewed as a breach of its sovereignty.
A resolution of tensions materialized following the Ankara Declaration, facilitated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, which allowed for renewed cooperation. President Mohamud’s visit to Ethiopia earlier this January was pivotal, culminating in agreements for full diplomatic engagement and heightened economic and security collaboration. Consequently, Somalia recently permitted Ethiopia to partake in the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), reversing an earlier stance against their involvement.
In their latest statement, the two governments welcomed the initiation of technical discussions in Ankara and reiterated their commitment to constructive dialogue and cooperation. The collaborative plans encompass strategic infrastructure projects aimed at fostering economic integration, sustainable development, and enhancing people-to-people connections.
On security matters, both nations acknowledged the significant threat posed by extremist militant organizations and committed to strengthening cooperation to promote peace and stability within the region. They reaffirmed their resolve to work collaboratively to advance mutual interests, fortify bilateral relations, and enhance regional stability and prosperity.
In summary, the recent military agreement and discussions between Somalia and Ethiopia represent a significant stride towards improving security collaboration and regional stability. Following Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s visit, both countries acknowledged their historic ties and pledged to enhance diplomatic and economic relations. Moreover, their commitment to addressing security threats together underscores the importance of this partnership for regional peace.
Original Source: addisstandard.com
