Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud discussed enhancing bilateral relations and regional stability during a meeting in Asmara. They emphasized the necessity of Somalia’s stability for lasting peace in the Horn of Africa and addressed external interventions complicating local dynamics. Their talks reaffirmed commitments established in an October summit involving Egypt, as Eritrea continues to train Somali forces to strengthen national defense against emerging security challenges.
On Wednesday, President Isaias Afwerki of Eritrea and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia engaged in significant discussions at the State House in Asmara, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations and addressing regional and international affairs of shared concern. Emphasizing the pivotal role of Somalia’s stability for the Horn of Africa, the leaders explored key agendas to promote peace in the region, as articulated in a statement from the Eritrean Foreign Ministry.
In October, a three-way summit involving leaders from Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia was convened in Asmara amidst increasing tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia. The summit resulted in the leaders signing an agreement aimed at bolstering defense, security, and diplomatic cooperation, prompted by security concerns related to a controversial agreement Ethiopia signed with Somaliland. Somali diplomats disclosed that the two leaders also discussed a recent agreement facilitated in Ankara, which seeks to alleviate diplomatic tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia.
President Isaias highlighted the necessity for the region to address its internal challenges rather than relying on external interventions, which often exacerbate conflicts. “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,” the Eritrean Press reported.
President Mohamud expressed his gratitude for Eritrea’s support in training Somalia’s National Army. He emphasized that Eritrea’s assistance is essential for the stability of Somalia and the broader Horn of Africa, stating that Somalia can benefit from Eritrea’s considerable experience in fostering strong partnerships.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the objectives outlined in the October Tripartite Summit agreement, focusing on enhancing cooperation and regional stability. This dialogue also coincided with Egypt’s pledge to contribute troops to the African Union’s peacekeeping mission in Somalia, revealing a deepening collaboration amidst heightened regional tensions, especially concerning Ethiopia’s ambition for maritime access through Somaliland.
Over the past four years, Eritrea has trained thousands of Somali military forces, providing both fundamental and specialized training, including for the naval forces and mechanized units. This meeting marked the eighth visit by President Mohamud since his reelection in May 2022, and the fourth this year, underscoring the importance of their diplomatic engagement.
The discussions between Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud occurred against a backdrop of complex regional dynamics in the Horn of Africa. Increased tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia, along with Ethiopia’s controversial agreement with the breakaway region of Somaliland, have significantly influenced security and diplomatic relations in the area. The ensuing collaboration and agreements between the leaders of Eritrea, Somalia, and Egypt aim to enhance regional stability through security cooperation and coordinated political efforts. Additionally, Eritrea’s extensive military training support for Somali forces underscores its commitment to bolstering Somalia’s defense capacity as a means to ensure regional security.
The discussions between Presidents Afwerki and Mohamud represent a significant step towards reinforcing bilateral ties and addressing broader regional stability within the Horn of Africa. The leaders’ emphasis on Somalia’s stability as crucial for regional peace highlights the interconnectedness of security challenges in the area. Furthermore, their collaboration with Egypt reflects a collective effort to navigate diplomatic tensions and foster stronger military capabilities, ultimately contributing to long-term stability in a region marked by conflict and uncertainty.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
