Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met in Asmara to enhance bilateral ties and discuss regional stability amidst tensions, particularly focusing on Somalia’s role in the Horn of Africa’s peace. Their dialogue follows an October summit with Egypt, emphasizing cooperation against external influences and security challenges from Ethiopia.
President Isaias Afwerki of Eritrea and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia engaged in substantial discussions at the State House in Asmara, Eritrea, emphasizing the need to strengthen bilateral relations and tackle regional and international issues. Their dialogues highlighted Somalia’s stability as vital for peace throughout the Horn of Africa. In their recent meeting, they deliberated extensively on various crucial agendas aimed at achieving this imperative objective.
In a previous three-way summit in October, leaders from Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia convened to address escalating tensions in the Horn of Africa, particularly between Somalia and Ethiopia. This meeting resulted in a defense, security, and diplomatic cooperation agreement, primarily due to security concerns following Ethiopia’s controversial deal with Somaliland, which could grant Ethiopia access to the Red Sea.
Anonymously, Somali diplomats indicated that the leaders also reviewed the recent Ethiopia-Somalia agreement intended to resolve diplomatic tensions between both nations, noting they have reached an agreement in principle while finalizing technical aspects. During their discussions, President Isaias stated the necessity for the region to navigate away from external interventions, proposing that local conflicts should be resolved internally.
Additionally, President Mohamud acknowledged Eritrea’s significant contributions, particularly in training Somalia’s National Army and security institutions, underscoring the importance of Eritrea’s support for Somalia’s stability and regional cohesiveness. The discussions reinforced the commitments established in the Tripartite Summit agreement of October, aimed at fostering cooperation and enhancing stability in the Horn of Africa amid Egypt’s pledge to deploy troops to the African Union Somalia peacekeeping mission.
Moreover, Eritrea’s long-standing engagement in training Somali military forces has been instrumental, with thousands of troops receiving essential training, including in naval operations and mechanized units. This visit marks President Mohamud’s eighth official engagement since his reelection in May 2022 and the fourth within the current year, reflecting the growing collaborative efforts in the region.
The discussions between the Eritrean and Somali leaders underline the critical dynamics in the Horn of Africa, characterized by ongoing regional tensions and the necessity for stability. Following a strategic three-way summit in October involving Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia, the focus on cooperative measures has intensified, particularly regarding Ethiopia’s controversial maritime agreements that could affect security in the region. Both nations perceive local interventions as vital matters to address independently to ensure long-term stability.
In summary, the meeting between Presidents Afwerki and Mohamud focuses on strengthening bilateral ties and regional stability in the Horn of Africa. Their ongoing collaboration emphasizes the importance of Somalia’s stability as a cornerstone for broader peace, highlighting the regions’ interconnected security concerns amid external pressures and tensions involving Ethiopia. The mutual commitment to training and cooperation further strengthens their leadership roles in promoting peace in the region.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
