Ethiopia and Somalia reaffirmed their commitment to shared development and peace during a high-level meeting attended by Somali State Minister Ali Omar and Ethiopian Ambassador Misganu Arga. They discussed the implementation of the Ankara Agreement, emphasizing economic cooperation and collective security against threats like Al-Shabaab. Future meetings are planned to strengthen bilateral relations and address commercial access initiatives.
On December 24, 2024, Ethiopia and Somalia reaffirmed their commitment to collaborative efforts aimed at achieving mutual development and regional peace. This declaration followed a high-level visit by a Somali delegation, led by State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ali Omar. Ambassador Misganu Arga of Ethiopia reiterated the country’s dedication to fully implement the Ankara Declaration, which aims to enhance bilateral relations and foster cooperative initiatives between the two nations.
During the discussions, which were described as fruitful by State Minister Omar, both parties explored methods to translate the Ankara Agreement into actionable measures. Omar highlighted the importance of looking forward to overcoming past disputes, stating, “…it is time now to look forward and not backward to overcome those historical issues and move forward.” He emphasized the economic potential of collaboration, noting the advantages of Somalia’s extensive coastline and Ethiopia’s significant market size.
Ambassador Misganu expressed a shared vision of prosperity through regional integration, stating, “We need to work for the prosperity, regional integration, through economic cooperation, through partnership.” He underscored the shared security concerns both nations face, particularly regarding the threat from Al-Shabaab, reiterating Ethiopia’s commitment to combat terrorism together with the Somali government.
Both representatives stressed the importance of ongoing direct engagement without third-party mediation, aiming for enhanced stability between Somalia and Ethiopia. They announced plans for further technical meetings to discuss commercial access in February, indicating a clear trajectory toward strengthened relations amid mutual aspirations for peace and development.
Ethiopia and Somalia have a historically complex relationship, marked by various conflicts and agreements aimed at fostering cooperation. The Ankara Agreement was signed to improve bilateral relations, focusing on economic collaboration and shared security initiatives. The recent discussions are part of ongoing efforts to solidify this commitment as both nations seek to navigate geopolitical challenges and move forward towards a more stable future.
In conclusion, the reaffirmation of commitment between Ethiopia and Somalia signifies a pivotal step towards enhanced collaboration for mutual development and peace. Through direct engagement and scheduled discussions, both nations aim to translate agreements into effective actions that address economic and security challenges, thereby fostering a more stable and prosperous region.
Original Source: www.ena.et
