JOINT COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AFTER BILATERAL TALKS BETWEEN H.E MOHAMED
ABDULLAHI MOHAMED ‘FARMAAJO’, PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF
SOMALIA AND H.E (DR.) ABIY AHMED ALI, PRIME MINISTER OF THE FEDERAL
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF ETHIOPIA ON THE OCCASION OF THE OFFICIAL VISIT TO
SOMALIA
ON 16/06/2018,
MOGADISHU
At the invitation of the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, H.E Mohamed
Abdullahi Mohamed ‘Farmaajo’, the Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic
Republic of Ethiopia, H.E Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali accompanied by a high-level delegation,
made an official visit to Mogadishu on 16/06/2018.
1.The two leaders and their delegations held lengthy discussions covering a wide
range of matters of mutual interest including regional and global affairs. During
the discussions, the two leaders renewed their commitment to strengthen their
brotherly bilateral relations spanning generations based on shared blood
relations, values, history, culture and traditions and espoused by the principles
of good neighborliness, mutual respect and promotion of mutual interest.
2. The leaders agreed to a renewed engagement to intensify relations based on an
agreed comprehensive framework which covers, among other things, robust
diplomatic relations between Somalia and Ethiopia, with the Federal Republic
of Somalia and Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia as the primary
interlocutors with sovereign authority.
3. To this end, the two leaders welcomed the formation of the previously agreed
Joint Cooperation Commission (JCC) at Ministerial level and its function to
promote enhanced diplomatic and trade activities on a reciprocal basis that
would involve regular bilateral engagements, exchange of attaches, and
sponsorship of cultural, sport and educational exchanges.
4.To aid these strengthened relations and strengthen diplomatic and consular
presence in each other’s’ countries, the leaders agreed to open reciprocal
diplomatic and consular offices in major cities in Somalia and Ethiopia. The
leaders also agreed to introduce measures to allow for 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.
5. Recognizing the potential for harmonious economic development for both
nations, the two leaders paid singular focus to economic growth, wealth
creation and promotion of investment between Somalia and Ethiopia in order
to secure a prosperous future for their people, the countries of the Horn of
Africa, and ultimately the African Continent.
6. In this respect, the two leaders agreed 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 therefore agreed to remove all trade and economic barriers and
deepen and widen economic linkages by first and foremost, the development of
critical infrastructure in particular development of ports and key highways
linking the two nations. The leaders further agreed to invest in logistics and
service provision specially to leading ports in the continent that can serve both
the Indian ocean and the Red Sea.
7. In an effort to attract and retain foreign investment to the two countries and
the horn of Africa Region, the leaders agreed on the joint investment in four
key sea ports between the two countries, and the construction of the main
road networks and arteries that would link Somalia to mainland Ethiopia. The
leaders agreed to constitute a designated joint technical team that would
immediately embark on the key task of outlining this substantial undertaking.
8. To fully take advantage of the larger market with more opportunities and
greater economies of scale, for business, the leaders agreed to encourage
incentivized investments particularly through the private sector in both
countries, in order to create jobs and facilitate full economic integration
between the two countries.
9. 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 leaders both condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and
underscored the need to actively collaborate.
10.The Federal Government of Somalia paid tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of
AMISOM and recognized the prominent role of the Ethiopian National Defense
Forces in this regard. While recognizing the continued commitment by the
Troop Contributing Countries to Somalia, both leaders reaffirmed AMISOM’s
critical role to Somalia’s progress, as the country moved into the next chapter
of security ownership across the country.
11. 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. Both leaders called upon friendly countries to contribute positively to
Somalia’s peace and state building efforts.
12. The two leaders unequivocally stated their mutual respect for the sovereignty,
territorial integrity, political independence and the unity of both nations and
called upon all Somali actors to relentlessly work towards the unity and
cohesiveness of Somalia.
13. On international matters, the two leaders called for an effective multilateral
system with a reformed and stronger United Nations. They also agreed to
advocate African Problems for African solutions alongside the African Union and
to foster joint positions on international matters of mutual concern.
14. The Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Ethiopia paid tribute to the
Somalia’s leadership for their commitment, determination and courage in
overcoming challenges and making considerable progress in implementing a
robust reform agenda and moving Somalia firmly towards the path of
sustainable, peace and development.
15. President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed ‘Farmaajo’ while welcoming Prime
Minister Abiy Ahmed on his recent election as Prime Minister of the Federal
Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, President Farmaajo commended him for his
reform agenda and his vision that is set to positively impact the outlook for this
nation and that of Horn of Africa region as well.
16. President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed “Farmaajo” on behalf of the
Government and the people of Somalia, expressed the unreserved appreciation
to his brother Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali who on his part, thanked the President of the
Federal Republic of Somalia and the people of Somalia for the warm and
gracious hospitality accorded to him and the members of his delegation during
their visit in Somalia.
Mogadishu, 16 June 2018
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