Somalia: Ethiopian diplomat defend sea MoU with Somaliland

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Memorandum of Understanding between Ethiopia and Somaliland will only focus on business rather than the annexation of Somalia, two top envoys have insisted, arguing that Ethiopia is keen to bolster good relations with neighbouring countries.

Oumer Hussein, the country's ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), insists that there are efforts to promote relations with neighboring countries, investment in infrastructure works, and many other areas of cooperation.

Ethiopia has been carrying out various activities in areas of road, electricity, and trade to strengthen ties with neighboring countries, he said.

In order to ensure peace and stability in the Horn of Africa, the country has played a major role in establishing peace in Sudan, Somalia, and South Sudan by applying the principle of African solutions to African problems, Ethiopia News Agency (ENA) reports.

The recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Ethiopia and Somaliland is not different from this venture, except for the fact that this partnership is for access to the sea, the envoy told ENA.

"If you see things calmly and be united, there are many benefits that can lead to better economic growth when implemented."

Ethiopia's Ambassador to Somalia Muktar Mohamed said on his part that despite some challenges Ethiopia and Somalia have enjoyed excellent relations in various areas of cooperation

The MoU Ethiopia signed with Somaliland is not to harm anyone but to develop together on the principle of win-win principle, he said. The ambassador maintained that Ethiopia has been a key ally in the fight against Al-Shabaab militants within Somalia.

Therefore, "I believe that this (misunderstanding) will be solved through the spirit of the long-standing historical relationship and brotherhood between the peoples."

The Ethiopian government has the desire and belief to solve problems in this regard through dialogue, the principle of give and take, international laws, ​​and the value of African brotherhood, Ambassador Muktar elaborated.

GAROWE ONLINE