Ethiopia and Somalia have celebrated a military agreement that strengthens security cooperation and regional stability. The agreement follows Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s visit to Mogadishu, marking a significant improvement in their bilateral relations after earlier tensions. Both nations are committed to enhancing dialogue and cooperation to confront security threats and promote economic development.
Ethiopia and Somalia have celebrated a significant military agreement between the Somali National Army (SNA) and the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF), terming it an essential advancement for security collaboration and regional stability. Following the visit of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to Mogadishu, the leadership of both nations emphasized the strengthening of their bilateral relations, grounded in historical ties and a commitment to trust-building through enhanced diplomatic and economic exchanges.
This renewed engagement follows a period of diplomatic strain linked to Ethiopia’s Memorandum of Understanding with Somaliland, perceived by Somalia as an infringement on its sovereignty. Somalia initially excluded Ethiopia from participating in the AU-led replacement mission for ATMIS but sought to boost military relations with Egypt. However, a shift occurred post the Ankara Declaration facilitated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, enabling a fresh start in cooperation.
A pivotal moment occurred during President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s January visit to Ethiopia, where both countries agreed on full diplomatic representation and increased economic and security collaboration. By February 24, Somalia endorsed Ethiopia’s involvement in the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), reversing its previous stance while emphasizing the coordination of deployments through the Federal Government of Somalia.
In their recent joint statement, both nations expressed optimism for the ongoing technical discussions in Ankara. They reiterated their allegiance to constructive dialogue and outlined intentions for strategic infrastructure initiatives aimed at promoting economic integration, sustainable development, and stronger interpersonal connections among their citizens. On security matters, both countries recognized the serious threats posed by extremist groups and committed to enhancing their cooperation to ensure regional peace and stability.
The agreement between Ethiopia and Somalia represents a vital step in reinforcing their military cooperation and commitment to regional stability. Following a series of diplomatic engagements, both countries have expressed their intention to foster bilateral relations through trust and collaborative projects. This renewed partnership can potentially transform security dynamics and support sustainable development in the region.
Original Source: addisstandard.com
