Eritrea’s President Isaias Afwerki and Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met in Asmara to strengthen bilateral ties and address regional stability. The leaders emphasized the importance of Somalia’s stability for the Horn of Africa and discussed cooperation in security training and ongoing diplomatic tensions with Ethiopia. Their meetings reflect a commitment to fostering regional peace amid growing challenges.
On Wednesday, President Isaias Afwerki of Eritrea and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia engaged in extensive discussions at the State House in Asmara. Their dialogue centered around strengthening bilateral relations and addressing key regional and international matters of shared interest. The Eritrean Foreign Ministry emphasized the essential role of Somali stability in fostering peace in the Horn of Africa, with both leaders agreeing on the need for collaborative efforts to achieve enduring solutions to regional challenges.
In October, a trilateral summit involving Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia took place, focusing on security and diplomatic cooperation. This meeting was initiated in response to escalating tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia, particularly after Ethiopia’s controversial agreement with Somaliland aimed at securing access to the Red Sea. In their recent discussions, the leaders acknowledged the need for a diplomatic resolution to ongoing disagreements between Ethiopia and Somalia while highlighting the importance of local intervention over external influences in addressing regional issues.
The Eritrean President articulated the necessity for the Horn of Africa to free itself from external pressures that may lead to conflict, stressing that regional problems should be tackled internally. During these talks, President Mohamud expressed gratitude for Eritrea’s pivotal role in training Somalia’s National Army, underscoring the importance of cooperation between the two nations in ensuring stability in the region. The progress made in military training and collaboration signifies a deepening relationship that aims to foster security in Somalia and beyond.
Both leaders reiterated the objectives outlined in the earlier Tripartite Summit, which seeks to strengthen partnerships and promote stability amid the complex geopolitical climate of the Horn of Africa. Moreover, Egypt’s commitment to contribute troops to the African Union’s peacekeeping mission in Somalia represents a significant development in regional cooperation designed to address threats posed by external military interests, particularly Ethiopia’s actions in Somaliland. President Mohamud’s visit marks his ongoing commitment to fostering strong ties with Eritrea, reflecting his strategic focus on enhancing Somalia’s security architecture.
The discussions between the leaders of Eritrea and Somalia are set against a backdrop of rising tensions in the Horn of Africa. Following a significant agreement between Ethiopia and the breakaway region of Somaliland that could grant Ethiopia access to the Red Sea, regional diplomacy has intensified. Both countries have taken proactive steps to solidify ties, recognizing that Somalia’s stability is paramount for peace across the region. The military training provided by Eritrea to Somalia has also been a critical aspect of their cooperation, aimed at fortifying Somalia’s national security framework.
In summary, the discussions between President Isaias Afwerki of Eritrea and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia highlight the crucial role of Somali stability in promoting peace throughout the Horn of Africa. Their reaffirmation of commitments made during the October summit underscores a shared dedication to addressing regional challenges collaboratively. As both nations continue to strengthen their ties through military cooperation and regional diplomacy, the goal of fostering a stable and secure Horn of Africa remains a priority.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
