Ethiopia’s army chief, Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, visited Somalia to strengthen ties and discuss the Ethiopian role in the African Union mission. Meetings involved key military leaders and focused on bilateral defense cooperation against terrorism. Ethiopia’s contributions to regional peacekeeping remain pivotal despite recent decisions regarding troop participation in future missions.
Ethiopia’s army chief, Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, traveled to Somalia on Sunday with a high-ranking delegation to discuss the enhancement of bilateral relations and Ethiopia’s involvement in the African Union mission. This visit follows recent discussions between the leaders of both countries in Addis Ababa, aiming to solidify cooperative efforts against terrorism and foster regional stability.
The delegation included Redwan Hussien, Director General of the National Intelligence and Security Service. They held meetings in Mogadishu with Somali military chief General Odawa Yusuf Rage and NISA Director Abdullahi Mohammed Ali. This engagement highlights Ethiopia’s commitment to supporting Somalia in its fight against terrorism and ensuring sustainable peace in the region.
Ethiopia has significantly contributed to the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) since its initiation in 2007, aiding in improving security in the conflict-affected nation. Currently, AMISOM has transformed into the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), with Ethiopian troops remaining essential to this force, indicating a continued commitment to regional security.
Both Ethiopian and Somali officials expressed hope for further strengthening their relationship. Somali leaders acknowledged Ethiopia’s vital role in promoting stability across the region. This visit coincides with discussions between Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohammed, reflecting a renewed focus on collaborative efforts.
Ethiopia’s diplomatic strategy emphasizes nurturing peaceful relations with neighboring countries, which was a central theme during the discussions in Somalia. The leaders also referenced the Ankara Agreement as a platform for encouraging peace and development throughout the region.
The visit by Ethiopia’s army chief to Somalia marks a pivotal moment in reinforcing bilateral ties and mutual commitment to combat terrorism and promote peace. The discussions centered on Ethiopia’s substantial role in regional security efforts and its long-standing contributions to peacekeeping missions. Despite Somalia’s decision to exclude Ethiopian troops from the upcoming AUSSOM mission, the collaborative spirit remains strong, as both countries seek to bolster their defenses against extremism.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
