Somalia and Ethiopia pledge strengthening security corporation

Somalia and Ethiopia have agreed to cooperate on security matters along their border following a meeting between the foreign minister from the two countries.

The meeting between Somalia and Ethiopian ministers Balal Mohamed Osman and Demeke Mekonen respectively took place in Lusaka, Zambia on the margins of the 41st Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union Member States.

According to a joint statement, the two ministers discussed bilateral issues and issues of peace and security in the Horn of Africa. Somalia’s state minister for foreign affairs Osman said that Somalia’s new administration has given peace the topmost priority and that it would continue to cooperate with Ethiopia in this regard.

The minister noted that the partnership of the two countries should be strengthened in the efforts to destroy the Al-Shabaab terrorist group. On his part, the Ethiopian foreign minister expressed delight that Somalia has held successful elections and formed its government. He highlighted that the two countries should step up their efforts, particularly in the fight against terrorism, while noting the various areas in which the governments of the two countries should cooperate.