Officials from both sides meeting in Diridhawa in Ethiopia this week signed the deal to promote peace and security between the two countries.
The Somaliland foreign ministry said in a statement that both sides held a two-day meeting, which was attended by top officials from Somaliland and Ethiopia. The Somaliland delegation was led by foreign minister Dr. Mohamed Abdulahi Omar, the main military leader Nuuh Ismail Taani, police commander Mohhamed Saqdhe Dubad and national security chairman Mohamed Nuur Hirsi. Their Ethiopian counterparts included security minister Tsegaye Berhe, head of the military Major General Abraha Mariam and the president of Somali residents in Ethiopia Abdi Mohamuud Omar.
According to the statement, Ethiopia and Somaliland have agreed to cooperate in the fight against terrorism, tighten security on common border and to ease movement of people and goods to promote trade.
“There are problems caused by the terrorists in the Horn of African countries, and we want to prevent all these, in order to secure long lasting peace and security,” said Dr. Omar.
Dr. Omar said this was a major achievement and hoped that the treaty will lead to improved security, particularly in Somaliland.
Dr. Omar and Mr. Berhe signed the agreement on behalf of their respective governments.
Ethiopia and Somaliland have cordial relations. Ethiopia is among the few countries to accept passports of breakaway Somaliland. It has also opened an embassy in capital Hargeisa, although it does not recognize it as an independent state from Somalia.