Eritrean and Somali leaders meet in Asmara to discuss bilateral relations and regional stability, emphasizing Somalia’s role in Horn Of Africa peace. They address external influences on local conflicts and express gratitude for Eritrea’s military support to Somalia. Their discussions build upon previous agreements among Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia aimed at cooperation amid regional tensions.
President Isaias Afwerki of Eritrea and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia convened for in-depth discussions at the State House in Asmara, Eritrea, on Wednesday. Their talks centered on strengthening bilateral relations and addressing pressing regional and international concerns. The Eritrean Foreign Ministry emphasized that the stability of Somalia is crucial for the overall peace of the Horn of Africa, stating, “Securing and [guaranteeing] Somalia’s stability is pivotal for enduring regional peace and stability.”
In a related context, leaders from Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia had previously met for a tri-nation summit in October, which aimed to counter heightened tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia. The outcomes of this meeting included an agreement concerning defense and diplomatic cooperation amid concerns stemming from Ethiopia’s controversial deal with the autonomous Somali region of Somaliland. In the December discussions, officials from Somalia revealed that they were also examining an Ethiopia-Somalia agreement intended to resolve ongoing diplomatic disputes between the two countries.
During their recent discussions, President Isaias underscored the necessity for the region to reject external interventions that complicate conflicts. He articulated the need for regional self-sufficiency in addressing its distinct challenges, saying, “President Isaias elaborated on the imperative for the region to extricate itself from external interventions that often advance agendas of incubating and fomenting conflict and chaos in the region.”.
President Mohamud acknowledged Eritrea’s critical support in training Somalia’s National Army, declaring, “The support of Eritrea to Somalia is vital for the stability of Somalia as well as the Horn of Africa region.” Both leaders reiterated their commitment to enhancing collaboration as outlined in the Tripartite Summit agreement in October, which seeks to bolster regional stability.
The discussions between President Isaias Afwerki and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud reflect ongoing regional dynamics marked by tensions, particularly between Ethiopia and Somalia. Following the summit between the three nations, concerns regarding regional security escalated due to Ethiopia’s agreements with Somaliland. Eritrea has played a significant role in training Somali forces, which is critical for enhancing Somalia’s security and stability, bearing implications for broader peace in the Horn of Africa.
In summary, the meeting between the Eritrean and Somali leaders underscored the imperative of cooperation to ensure regional stability in the Horn of Africa. The discussions reaffirmed commitments made in previous agreements and emphasized the importance of self-sufficiency in addressing regional challenges without external interference. The collaborative efforts between Eritrea and Somalia signify a pivotal step towards achieving peace and stability in the region.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
