Ethiopia and Somalia to form Joint Ministerial Commission

 Foreign Minister Dr. Tedros and Somalia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fowzia Yusuf Haji Adan signed a memorandum of understanding for the formation of a Joint Ministerial Commission on Monday (January 28^th). Deputy Prime Minister Fowzia Yusuf spoke of the immense contribution of Ethiopia to peace and stability of Somalia “You were with us in all those difficult times over the past and we are grateful. Somalia has decided to put its dark history behind it.” Speaking about the six pillar policy of the new government she said “security stands as one of the top priorities.” She noted energy, railways and communication among other things were areas in which the two countries could cooperate.  Dr. Tedros said the signing of the agreement opened a new chapter in relations, “further strengthening our unique ties and provide us the opportunity to further cement the existing relations between our peoples”. He hailed the successful establishment of the new government as a watershed in the recent history of Somalia. But he noted the “demanding task” that awaited the new government: “As we celebrate the birth of a new Somalia from the ashes of more than twenty years of fratricidal war, we should at the same time appreciate the daunting task of reconstruction and reconciliation”. He reaffirmed Ethiopia’s readiness to support the new government in all its efforts. Dr. Tedros stressed that Ethiopia wanted to see a united and strong Somalia to consolidate regional peace. He emphasized the importance of consolidating the relative peace that prevails within the IGAD region. Alluding to the fatigue with war within the region he added “If war was a pie this region has had enough share of it”. He reiterated the need to maintain peace for the future of the region. Dr. Tedros said the relations between the two countries had been affected by a culture of suspicion: “We need to rebuild our relations on a new foundation of candor leaving this culture of suspicion behind,” he said. The first meeting of the Joint Ministerial Commission will be held in Mogadishu.