Leaders of Somalia and Eritrea on Tuesday signed an agreement covering defense, security, diplomatic and political cooperation between the two countries, reported The VOA.
The agreement was signed by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki, following a four-day visit to Asmara by the new Somalia leader. The deal is expected to significantly improve the relation between the two countries.
In a seven-point memorandum of understanding released on Tuesday, the two leaders said they have agreed to enhance defense and security cooperation to safeguard peace, stability and security.
Mohamud and Afwerki said they also have agreed to strengthen diplomatic and political cooperation, to protect and advance their national interests, and to promote relations between the people of the two countries.
In a statement, the two leaders said the memorandum is based on historical ties and common interests the two countries share and on recognition that the successful fight against terrorism in Somalia is a “prerequisite for peace, stability and security, not only in Somalia but in the Horn of Africa.”
Eritrea has been training thousands of Somalia forces for nearly three years. The Eritrean military has been providing regular and specialized training to Somalia’s forces, including the naval force, as well as mechanized units.
The first wave of Somali soldiers was flown from Mogadishu to Eritrea on Aug. 19, 2019. There were second and third waves in February and June 2020, respectively.
Somalia, which once accused Eritrea of backing Islamist rebels, currently has friendly relations. The two countries and Ethiopia have been drawing closer together since 2018 when Abiy Ahmed became the Prime Minister in Addis Ababa and extended an olive branch.
Since assuming office in late June, Somalia’s President Mohamud has visited the UAE, Turkey, and now Eritrea as part of his efforts to widen the Horn of Africa country’s international relations.
