PM Sharmarke praises Ethiopia’s role in Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia, March 9, 2015 (Garowe Online)-Federal Government of Somalia’s Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke has praised Ethiopia’s role in the on-going stabilization operations, Garowe Online reports.

Prime Minister Sharmarke made the remarks shortly after meetings with Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn and Foreign Affairs Minister Tedros Adhanom in Addis Ababa.

Sharmarke said he held talks with Ethiopia leader about areas of mutual interest including security, trade and political front:” My visit is part of a series of trips to neighbouring countries and Somalia friends to speed up bilateral ties and cooperation”.

Somalia Prime Minister noted that his government is concentrating on stability and installation of capable institutions.

He is being accompanied on his trip by Civil Aviation Minister Ali Ahmed Jama (Jangali), State Minister for Defence Mohamed Ali Hagaa, Somali Ambassador to Iraq Khadija Al-Maqsumi and Presidential officials.

Adhanom and Somali envoy to Ethiopia Ahmed Abdisalan received Prime Minister’s delegation at Bole International airport.

Ethiopia sent its troops into Somalia to back transitional federal government in 2006. However, as part of massive stabilization operations in south-central regions, Ethiopian forces returned to border regions-Hiran, Galgadud, Gedo and Bay in late 2011.

Contingents from the neighbouring country are now serving with African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) after official integration in January 2014.

GAROWE ONLINE