Ethiopian and Somali officials have reiterated common commitments to ensuring peace and stability in Somalia and the region as the two countries solidify ties on the backdrop of recent diplomatic tensions.This came during a meeting between officials of the two countries as a high-level Ethiopian delegation led by Ethiopian Minister of Defense Aisha Mohammed made an official working visit to Somalia, the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement issued Friday.
According to the statement, the Ethiopian delegation held "fruitful discussions" with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and other senior officials.
It said the discussions "reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to working together to ensure peace and stability in Somalia and the region." The two countries "agreed to collaborate on the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia and strengthen bilateral relations." They also agreed to enhance exchanges of visits and discussions among officials of the two countries, according to the statement.
Reiterating Ethiopia's commitment to contributing to the peace and stability of Somalia, the Ethiopian Defence Minister stressed that combating terrorism is a key area of cooperation between the two Horn of Africa countries.
