Djibouti President arrives in Somalia for two-day state visit

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Djiboutian President Ismail Omar Guelleh on Saturday arrived in Somalia, embarking two-day state visit to the East African country, Garowe Online reports.

Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo, deputy PM Mahdi Mohamed Guled and ministers received the visiting president at Aden Adde Airport in Mogadishu.

During his visit, President Guelleh to cut the ribbon for the new Djiboutian Embassy in Mogadishu. Those accompanying the president include popular Somali musicians.

According to a statement issued by the presidency, the two leaders are holding talks at the presidential palace to discuss bilateral ties between the two brotherly nations.

"Djibouti is a true friend, ally and brother. We have deep roots, historical ties and a shared future of common progress and prosperity," said Somali president in his Twitter account.

Somali police and military forces closed the main streets in the capital and beefed up the overall security ahead of the president's arrival early in the morning.

Djibouti is the third country to contribute to AMISOM - African Union Mission in Somalia which serves as sector 4 covering the Hiran region in central Somalia.

GAROWE ONLINE