APA-Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) Ethiopia and Somaliland, an autonomous region in northern Somalia an autonomous region in northern Somalia on Monday signed a memorandum of understanding, agreeing to provide Ethiopia sea access to the red sea.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and the visiting President of Somaliland Muse Bihe Abdi signed the MoU in Addis Ababa, capital of Ethiopia, according to the prime minister’s office of Ethiopia
Following the signing, the PM office has called the MoU for Partnership and Cooperation “historic”, adding it is “intended to serve as a framework for the multi-sectoral partnership between the two sides” the PM office quoted Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed as saying.
The MoU “shall pave the way to realize the aspiration of Ethiopia to secure access to the sea and diversify its access to seaport,” the Office said. “It also strengthens their security, economic and political partnership.”
The MoU further indicates the pathway to bolster their political and diplomatic relations. It “reaffirms the principled position of the Ethiopian Government to advance mutual interests through cooperation on the basis of reciprocity,” the PM Office states.
The MoU, according to the PM Office, “ushers in a new chapter of cooperation and has a huge significance for regional Integration in the horn, and “also enables Ethiopia to enhance its role in maintaining regional peace and security.”
MG/abj/APA