Eritrea’s President Isaias Afwerki and Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud recently discussed regional stability and bilateral relations in Asmara. Emphasizing the importance of Somalia’s stability for the Horn of Africa, they reaffirmed cooperation amidst escalating tensions with Ethiopia. Their talks included addressing foreign interventions and enhancing military training for Somalia, signaling a robust collaboration aimed at fostering peace in the region.
President Isaias Afwerki of Eritrea and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia convened for comprehensive discussions at the State House in Asmara on Wednesday, focusing primarily on strengthening bilateral relations and addressing pressing regional and global issues of shared interest. The Eritrean Foreign Ministry emphasized the significance of stability in Somalia for the broader Horn of Africa region, stating that, “Securing and [guaranteeing] Somalia’s stability is pivotal for enduring regional peace and stability.”
The leaders noted their alignment on safeguarding regional security during a previous tripartite summit involving Egypt, which occurred amid escalating tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia. This earlier meeting facilitated an agreement on cooperation in defense, security, and diplomatic matters, particularly in light of concerns stemming from Ethiopia’s controversial engagement with Somaliland to acquire access to the Red Sea. Moreover, diplomatic talks examined an agreement in principle aimed at easing tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia.
During their discussions, President Isaias underscored the necessity for the region to mitigate foreign interventions that often intensify conflicts, advocating for internal resolution of local challenges. He remarked, “It is critical for the region to address and resolve its own challenges.” President Mohamud, recognizing Eritrea’s pivotal role in aiding Somalia’s National Army and security apparatus, acknowledged that Eritrea’s support is crucial to Somalia’s stability and serves as a model for fruitful partnerships.
The discussions reiterated the commitments outlined in the prior October summit attended by the leaders of Eritrea, Somalia, and Egypt, aimed at promoting regional cooperation and stability. They underscored Egypt’s intention to contribute troops to the African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia, signifying a deepening collaboration amid regional tensions, particularly surrounding Ethiopia’s interests in Somaliland. Notably, Eritrea has been instrumental in training Somali forces over the past four years, with extensive training provided to various military branches.
The meeting between Presidents Isaias Afwerki and Hassan Sheikh Mohamud emerges from a backdrop of increasing regional tensions, specifically between Somalia and Ethiopia. Following a tripartite summit involving Eritrea, Somalia, and Egypt, leaders from these nations recognized the critical importance of cooperation to mitigate conflicts and promote stability. This backdrop also includes Ethiopia’s engagement in diplomatic negotiations with Somaliland that could alter regional balance, prompting collaborative security measures from Somalia and its allies.
In conclusion, the discussions between Eritrea and Somalia’s leaders highlight a mutual commitment to addressing regional stability through enhanced bilateral ties and collaborative defense strategies. This is particularly vital as external influences pose risks to peace. The ongoing training initiatives and cooperative military engagements underscore Eritrea’s crucial role in supporting Somalia’s efforts to strengthen its national security, affirming both nations’ dedication to achieving enduring peace in the Horn of Africa region.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
