His Excellency Musa Behi Abdi, President of the Republic of Somaliland, embarked on a three-day visit to neighboring Ethiopia, on his second foreign visit since he was inaugurated as head of state on December 13, 2017, following a win of the presidential election of November 14 a month earlier.
The President was warmly welcomed at Bole Airport by Ethiopia Foreign Minister, Workneh Gebeyehu, and a covey of high officials accompanying him among whom was the Minister Transport, Ato Ahmed Shire.
President Behi was accorded another state reception at the State House where he held preliminary talks with Prime Minister Hailemariam Dessalegn.
At both occasions, the two sides re-asserted the deep-rooted relations between the Republic of Somaliland and Federal Ethiopia, and how the two friends wished these relations reinforced and developed to new heights.
The talks, as voiced by President Behi and his hosts, centered, specifically, on accelerating development and construction work on the Berbera Corridor, the mutual combat of all security threats to the region, high seas piracy, and other matters pertaining to further harnessing of resources instrumental in bilateral economic and political relations.
“We believe that Ethiopia security is security for Somaliland, and Somaliland security, similarly, is that of Ethiopia,” PM Dessalegn said.
“We started to discuss, develop Berbera Corridor together with Somaliland, with our partners so that we benefit from this development in a win-win manner,” he added.
The Berbera Corridor road will link the important Red Sea port of Berbera to Ethiopia via the Wajale commercial hub. Ethiopia has a 16-percent stake on Berbera port’s planned re-alignment and development under the management of DP World granting the land-locked African giant a vital inlet for crucial imports.
The current regional, political and economic ramifications are in favor of an implementation of a fresh deck of priorities that are of real, convertible value to both sides, especially the Republic of Somaliland, if dealt properly.
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President of Somaliland in Addis for Two-Day Official Visit
Addis Ababa January 16/2018 Musa Bihi Abdi President of Somaliland, an autonomous region of Somalia, has arrived in Addis Ababa today for a two-day official visit.
Foreign Minister, Workneh Gebeyehu has welcomed Abdi who won the election in November 2017, upon his arrival at the Bole International Airport.
The president said that his visit will strengthen the long and historical relationship between Ethiopia and Somaliland.
He pointed out that Somaliland is eager to see a stable and prosperous region. “Somaliland is keen in maintaining peace and stability in the Horn of Africa and to work towards prosperity and good relations within the Horn of Africa”.
In this regard, he appreciated the role that Ethiopia has been playing. “Ethiopia is a country with a long history and the African continent is proud of that tradition and history.”
Foreign Minister Workeneh Gebeyehu noted the strong ties between Ethiopia and Somaliland.
He added that they have a number of opportunities in enhancing cooperation. “The geographical location of Somaliland is one which is useful for both of us to strengthen our collaboration and work on enhancing it in the future.”
During his stay in Addis Ababa, the president is expected to meet with Prime Minister Hailemariam Dessalegn.
Various issues of common concern and bilateral cooperation including the issue of port are among the agendas that Abdi will discuss with the Ethiopian Premier.
