Ethiopia and Somalia have announced a military agreement aimed at enhancing security cooperation and fostering regional stability. Following Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s visit to Mogadishu, both governments reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations while addressing past tensions. Plans include coordinated military initiatives and strategic infrastructure projects, showcasing a unified response to mutual challenges.
The governments of Ethiopia and Somalia have hailed the recent military agreement between the Somali National Army and Ethiopian National Defense Forces as a significant advancement towards improving security cooperation and promoting regional stability. This understanding was affirmed during Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s visit to Mogadishu, during which he and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud emphasized the strengthening of their bilateral relations after a period of diplomatic engagements.
The relationship had experienced strains due to Ethiopia’s Memorandum of Understanding with Somaliland, which Somalia viewed as a breach of its sovereignty. Initially, Somalia dismissed Ethiopian involvement in the AU-led mission replacing ATMIS and sought closer military ties with Egypt. However, recent mediation efforts, including the Ankara Declaration facilitated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, have alleviated these tensions, allowing for renewed collaboration between the two nations.
President Mohamud’s visit to Ethiopia in January marked a pivotal moment, solidifying commitments to full diplomatic representation and expanded military and economic cooperation. On February 24, Somalia granted Ethiopia approval to join the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia, reversing its previous stance and reinforcing the coordinated approach of Ethiopian deployments with the Federal Government of Somalia.
In their latest joint communiqué, both nations welcomed the initiation of technical discussions in Ankara and reiterated their dedication to constructive dialogue and cooperation. They highlighted plans for strategic infrastructure projects aimed at economic integration, sustainable development, and strengthening connections between the populations of both countries.
Lastly, the communiqué addressed the pressing threat posed by extremist militant groups in the region. Both governments pledged to enhance their cooperation in cultivating peace and stability while reaffirming their resolve to advance mutual interests and fortify regional prosperity and stability.
In conclusion, the agreement between Ethiopia and Somalia establishes a framework for enhanced cooperation that addresses security concerns while fostering diplomatic and economic relationships. The commitment to collaborative efforts highlights a shared vision for stability in the region, advancing mutual goals through joint military initiatives and development projects. This milestone marks an important step toward regional integration and lasting peace.
Original Source: addisstandard.com
