Leaders of Somalia and Ethiopia have agreed to introduce measures to facilitate free movement of goods between the countries, a statement said on Saturday.
Ethiopian Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed and his entourage arrived in Mogadishu on Saturday morning where they were received by President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo.
Prime Minister Ahmed and President Farmajo held lengthy discussions covering wide range issues of mutual interests including regional and global affairs.
In a statement issued, the leaders noted to introduce permits and expanding specific visas for travels.
“The leaders also agreed to introduce measures to allow the free movement of goods and services by introducing permits and expanding specific visas for travel for educational, sporting and cultural purposes to facilitate social integration between Somalia and Ethiopia,” the statement reads in part.
Both leaders jointly accepted to remove all trade and economic barriers to boost trade relations between the two countries.
“The leaders agreed to widen economic linkages by first and foremost, the development of critical infrastructure in particular development of ports and key highways linking the two nations,” said the statement.
The two countries accepted to enhance the economic integration of their two nations.
“While reaffirming the importance of economic security and development through utilization of the human and natural resources of the two nations as the most effective means of tackling the current security challenges,” the leaders agreed.
Security
Troops of the countries are jointly fighting Al-Shabab fighters which carry out attacks and assassination against government officials.
In the statement, both leaders condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and underscored the need to actively collaborate.
“The two leaders recognized that peace and stability were a prerequisite for the development and prosperity of both countries and therefore emphasized the importance of continued active cooperation between Somalia and Ethiopia to effectively counter terrorism and deal with cross-border security challenges,” the statement said.
The leaders reaffirmed AMISOM’s critical role to Somalia’s progress, as the country moved into the next chapter of security ownership across the country.
“While appreciating AMISOM’s role in the peace and state-building efforts of Somalia, the leaders expressly stated the need to zealously guard against any risks, both internal and external, to the reversal of the gains achieved in Somalia,” the leaders expressed.
The leaders called upon friendly countries to contribute positively to Somalia’s peace and state-building efforts.
The countries agreed to advocate African Problems for African solutions alongside the African Union and to foster joint positions on international matters of mutual concern.
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