Somalia: PM Hailemariam Meets Somalia's Defense Minister

By Nesru Jemal

The Somali Defense Minister was on a visit to Addis Ababa and held discussions with the Prime Minister and senior military officials including the Chief of Staff, General Samora Yunus.

The Prime Minister said Ethiopia would strengthen support to Somalia to ensure sustained peace and stability in that country.

He said Ethiopia would also enhance support to strengthen Somalia's defense force through capacity building training, the Premier said.

Discussions also covered the withdrawal of Ethiopia's forces currently deployed in Somalia.

Last week Ethiopia withdrew the troops that had been based in Baidoa, the capital of Bay region, handing over to AMISOM and Somali national forces.

Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Ambassador Dina had said on Thursday that there was "a firm schedule for Ethiopian troops to gradually withdraw from all of its operations this year on the basis that Al-Shabaab will not come back and take over."

He added that this would require strategy and coordination to ensure a smooth transition.

Minister Abdulhakim Haji Mohammed told reporters after the meeting that his discussions with PM Hailemariam were focused on existing bilateral relations between Ethiopia and Somalia.

The two sides discussed ways of eliminating Al-Shabab and other terrorist groups from Somalia, he said.

They also exchanged views on ways of enhancing existing relations between the two countries in the areas of trade and agriculture, among others.

The Minister expressed his government's appreciation to Ethiopia's contribution in the fight against terrorism.