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.
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