Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud discussed enhancing bilateral ties and regional stability during their meeting in Asmara. They emphasized the essential role of Somalia’s stability for the Horn of Africa and addressed external influences that complicate regional peace. Their discussions also reaffirmed commitments made during a recent tripartite summit involving Egypt, underscoring military cooperation and regional security strategies.
On Wednesday, President Isaias Afwerki of Eritrea and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia convened at the State House in Asmara, Eritrea, to engage in detailed discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and addressing pressing regional and international issues. According to a statement from the Eritrean Foreign Ministry, both leaders emphasized the critical role of ensuring stability in Somalia for the broader Horn of Africa region, highlighting it as essential for enduring peace and security.
The importance of Somalia’s stability was a focal point of their conversation, with significant discussions aimed at outlining practical steps to achieve this goal. This meeting follows an earlier summit held in October, attended by the leaders of Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia, amid rising tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia. At that summit, a trilateral agreement was established to enhance defense, security, and political cooperation among the nations.
The backdrop of these talks included heightened concerns arising from a controversial agreement that Ethiopia signed with Somaliland, which, if executed, would allow Ethiopia access to the Red Sea – a development that has raised alarms about regional security. Somali diplomats revealed that the leaders also examined an Ethiopia-Somalia agreement reached in Ankara to potentially ease diplomatic strains between the two neighboring countries.
President Isaias emphasized the necessity of addressing local issues independently and overcoming external influences that tend to exacerbate underlying conflicts. He articulated that the region must take control of its challenges rather than rely on foreign interventions that could breed further chaos. President Mohamud reciprocated by acknowledging Eritrea’s pivotal role in supporting Somalia’s military efforts, attributing their cooperation to the ongoing training of Somalia’s National Army and security apparatus.
Their discussions reaffirmed commitments made during the tripartite summit in October, directed towards enhancing cooperation and stabilizing the region further. The talks underscored the growing partnership between Somalia and Egypt, particularly in the context of Egypt’s commitment to deploying troops for the African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia, a move reflecting collaborative strategies in light of Ethiopia’s ambitions in Somaliland.
This visit marked President Mohamud’s eighth trip to Eritrea since his re-election in May 2022, and his fourth this year alone, exemplifying the shared commitment to fostering regional stability and cooperation.
In summary, the discussions between President Afwerki and President Mohamud highlighted the necessity for stability in Somalia as a pathway to regional peace, addressed concerns stemming from external agreements, and set a collaborative agenda focused on mutual security and military cooperation in the Horn of Africa.
The Horn of Africa has experienced significant geopolitical tensions, particularly among Somalia, Ethiopia, and Eritrea. Somalia’s pursuit of stability is crucial not only for its own future but for the entire region’s peace. Recent events, including Ethiopia’s controversial deal with Somaliland, have raised alarms regarding security dynamics. The trilateral cooperation established among Eritrea, Somalia, and Egypt reflects a strategic effort to mitigate these tensions through alliances centered on mutual defense and political cooperation. The recurring visits of Somali President Mohamud to Eritrea indicate a commitment to solidifying this partnership and addressing the challenges posed by regional instability.
The meeting between Eritrean and Somali leaders underscored the critical nature of Somalia’s stability for the Horn of Africa. Their discussions confirmed a commitment to tackle regional tensions and foster a collaborative security arrangement in light of existing conflicts. As external influences are scrutinized, the focus on internal resolution showcases a proactive approach to regional peacekeeping. With ongoing military training from Eritrea, Somalia’s path to security remains intertwined with its neighbors’ support amidst a complex geopolitical landscape.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
