PM Abiy Ahmed and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud Meet in Addis Ababa

January 3/2017 (Ahadu Radio) Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met today, January 3, 2017, in Addis Ababa for bilateral consultations.

Following the improvement in diplomatic relations between the two countries in accordance with the Ankara Agreement; the Somali President arrived in Addis Ababa this afternoon for an official visit; Prime Minister Abiy welcomed the President at Bole International Airport.

“I would like to inform you that the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, has come to Ethiopia for an official visit,” he said in a post on his social media page.

Following this, the two leaders discussed common issues and issued a joint statement after the discussion.

In their statement, it was noted that the leaders held a constructive discussion to strengthen the brotherhood and relations between the peoples of the two countries, as well as; the need for strong cooperation based on mutual trust, confidence and respect for regional stability.

It was also stated that they agreed to restore bilateral relations and ensure full diplomatic representation in their respective cities; and agreed to work together to improve regional relations, create mutual understanding and promote common development.

They also stressed the importance of strengthening economic cooperation, trade and investment between the two countries.

The discussions highlighted the need for Ethiopia and Somalia to continue to work together to strengthen their security and stability cooperation; the joint statement also noted that they discussed the growing threat posed by militant groups in the region.

The leaders of the two countries agreed to strengthen their cooperation in regional peace and stability by providing guidance to their security institutions.

The countries also agreed to establish strong economic cooperation, expand infrastructure that will facilitate trade and ensure mutual prosperity.

The leaders expressed their commitment to the implementation of the Ankara Agreement; they noted that the agreement was born from the spirit of friendship and partnership between the countries.

The joint statement indicated that they agreed to expedite the start of technical negotiations as stipulated in the agreement.

They reaffirmed their commitment to the Ankara agreement in a spirit of friendship and partnership; and agreed to expedite the start of technical negotiations as stipulated in the agreement.