Eritrea’s President Isaias Afwerki and Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met to enhance bilateral ties and address critical regional issues. They emphasized Somalia’s stability as vital for peace in the Horn of Africa, confirming commitments made during a previous summit involving Egypt. The leaders are focused on internal conflict resolution and increased collaboration, particularly in military training and peacekeeping efforts.
On Wednesday, President Isaias Afwerki of Eritrea and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia convened at the State House in Asmara, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations and addressing mutual regional and international concerns. The Eritrean Foreign Ministry highlighted the crucial role of Somalia’s stability for peace in the Horn of Africa. Following a recent three-way summit involving Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia, the leaders underscored the importance of cooperation in ensuring regional stability amid ongoing tensions, particularly between Somalia and Ethiopia.
During discussions, the leaders noted the need for the Horn of Africa to manage its internal challenges without external interference, emphasizing that resolution of conflicts must be locally driven. President Isaias pointed out the importance of overcoming detrimental external influences that exacerbate regional instability. In a statement following the talks, President Mohamud expressed gratitude for Eritrea’s assistance in training Somalia’s National Army, underscoring its significance for Somalia’s security and the broader Horn of Africa region.
Moreover, the two leaders reiterated their commitment to the objectives outlined during the October Tripartite Summit. They acknowledged Egypt’s role in providing troops for the African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia, which reflects deepening collaboration among the nations due to security concerns related to Ethiopia’s strategic aspirations. With Eritrea having trained thousands of Somali troops over the past four years, this meeting marked President Mohamud’s eighth visit since his reelection, indicating a robust partnership between Eritrea and Somalia.
The Horn of Africa, comprising Eritrea, Somalia, Ethiopia, and Egypt, has a history of conflict and political instability. Key points of contention have arisen from Ethiopia’s efforts to access the Red Sea through the breakaway region of Somaliland, intensifying tensions with Somalia. The October Tripartite Summit between these nations aimed to foster cooperation and address shared security challenges. With ongoing training provided by Eritrea to Somalia’s military forces, this visit seeks to further bolster stability in the region amidst concerns of external interventions and local unrest.
In conclusion, the discussions between Presidents Isaias Afwerki and Hassan Sheikh Mohamud signify a vital step towards reinforcing resilience in the Horn of Africa. Through bilateral cooperation, both leaders are committed to addressing the challenges posed by regional instability and external influence, while reflecting on the importance of a stable Somalia for broader peace in the region. Their ongoing collaboration is essential as they navigate the complex geopolitical landscape of East Africa.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
