Somalia and Ethiopia have announced a significant military agreement to strengthen security cooperation, following Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s visit to Mogadishu. The leaders highlighted the importance of enhancing bilateral relations and addressing previous diplomatic tensions. The agreement promises to facilitate economic integration and joint initiatives against extremism, marking a promising shift towards regional stability.
The governments of Somalia and Ethiopia have hailed the recent military agreement between the Somali National Army (SNA) and the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) as a pivotal advancement towards enhanced security cooperation and regional stability. This positive outcome followed a visit by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to Mogadishu, where Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud joined him in a joint communiqué expressing their commitment to normalization of bilateral relations built on their rich historical ties.
The agreement comes after a phase of diplomatic tensions, particularly concerning Ethiopia’s Memorandum of Understanding with Somaliland, which Somalia perceived as infringing upon its sovereignty. This discord initially led Mogadishu to exclude Ethiopia from the AU-led peacekeeping efforts while strengthening military relationships with Egypt. However, following the mediation of the Ankara Declaration by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, relations began to improve.
In January, President Mohamud’s visit to Ethiopia marked a significant shift, resulting in an accord on full diplomatic representation, enhanced economic ties, and security cooperation. Furthermore, on February 24, Somalia reversed its previous stance by allowing Ethiopian participation in the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia, emphasizing the necessity of continuing past peacekeeping successes.
Both nations affirmed their shared commitment to engage in constructive dialogue and cooperation, particularly through the initiation of technical discussions in Ankara. They outlined prospective strategic infrastructure projects intended to promote economic integration, sustainable development, and stronger connections among their populations. Regarding security, both governments recognized the evolving threat posed by extremist militant groups and committed to collaborating to boost regional peace and stability.
In conclusion, the recent military agreement between Somalia and Ethiopia signifies a renewed commitment to security cooperation and diplomatic engagement. The leaders have emphasized the importance of normalizing relations, fostering economic integration, and addressing shared security challenges posed by militant groups. The ongoing dialogue and planned cooperative initiatives reflect a mutual dedication to enhancing regional stability and prosperity.
Original Source: addisstandard.com
