Somalia and Ethiopia have agreed on a military collaboration viewed as critical for regional stability. Following Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s visit to Mogadishu, the two nations reiterated their commitment to strengthening diplomatic and economic ties while addressing threats from extremist groups. This agreement marks a significant improvement in bilateral relations after a period of tension over sovereignty issues.
The governments of Somalia and Ethiopia have hailed the recent agreement reached between the Somali National Army (SNA) and the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) commanders as a pivotal advancement in security cooperation and regional stability. This development follows Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s visit to Mogadishu, where he and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud underscored the significance of enhancing bilateral relations and building mutual trust through deeper diplomatic, economic, and social collaboration.
Relations between the two nations had been strained due to Ethiopia’s Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Somaliland, which Somalia viewed as infringing on its sovereignty. After negotiations and a cooling of tensions facilitated by the Ankara Declaration, the two nations sought to renew their cooperation. The turning point came with President Mohamud’s visit to Ethiopia in January, which resulted in both countries committing to full diplomatic representation and improved collaboration on economic and security fronts.
On February 24, Somalia granted Ethiopia access to participate in the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), revising its previous stance. This decision was a crucial step emphasizing the need to leverage achievements from past peacekeeping efforts while ensuring that Ethiopian deployments are managed in coordination with the Somali Federal Government.
In their latest joint statement, both countries expressed satisfaction with the initiation of technical discussions in Ankara and reaffirmed their dedication to constructive dialogue and cooperation. They also outlined plans for strategic infrastructure projects intended to promote economic integration, sustainable development, and stronger interpersonal connections between their citizens.
Additionally, both sides recognized the growing threats posed by extremist groups in the region and committed to enhancing collaboration to ensure peace and stability. They reiterated their determination to further strengthen bilateral ties and support regional prosperity, emphasizing their common interests.
In conclusion, the military agreement between Somalia and Ethiopia signifies a crucial step towards enhanced security cooperation and regional stability. The leaders emphasized the importance of diplomatic relations, economic partnerships, and tackling common threats posed by extremism. The renewed commitment to mutual trust and cooperation marks a hopeful turn in their bilateral relationship, setting a foundation for ongoing collaboration and development.
Original Source: addisstandard.com
