Ethiopia, Somalia agree to collaborate on AUSSOM mission, strengthen bilateral relations

Addis Ababa, January 3, 2025 (FMC) — A high-level Ethiopian delegation led by Minister of Defense, Engineer Aisha Mohammed made an official working visit to Somalia.

During the visit, the delegation held fruitful discussions with the President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, and delivered a message from Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, to the Somali President.

The discussions reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to work together to ensure peace and stability in Somalia and the region, the Ethiopian foreign ministry reported on its social media page this morning.

The two countries agreed to collaborate on the AUSSOM mission and strengthen bilateral relations. They also agreed to enhance exchanges of visits and discussions, with senior Somali officials expected to visit Addis Ababa soon.

The Somali Minister of Defense, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur Jama, expressed his appreciation and gratitude for the Ethiopian Defense Forces’ sacrifices and contributions to ensuring peace in Somalia.

In her remarks, Minister of Defense, Aisha Mohammed, emphasized Ethiopia’s commitment to contributing to peace and stability in Somalia.

She also highlighted that combating terrorism is a key area of cooperation between the two nations.

State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mesganu Arga, emphasized the shared significance of peace in both Ethiopia and Somalia and underscored the importance of ensuring that conflicts do not hinder the development agendas of the two countries.

Ambassador Mesganu further underlined the need to address security challenges promptly and focus on development by enhancing cooperation between the two nations.

It is to be recalled that last week, a Somali delegation led by State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ali Mohamed Omar, visited Ethiopia and held discussions with Ambassador Mesganu Arga, reinforcing the ongoing cooperation between the two countries.