Horn of Africa Holds Talks on Political Stability and Economic Integration
By Abdi Ali
Published September 10, 2018
Somalia says it is facilitating a tripartite agreement on economic integration among the countries of the Horn of Africa.
Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo, President of the fractious Federal Republic of Somalia; Abiy Ahmed, Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Ethiopia; and Isaias Afwerki, President of the Republic of Eritrea; met in the Eritrean capital, Asmara, on September 6 and 7, 2018 to explore ways and means of strengthening the economic and political stability of the socio-politically turbulent region.
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The Office of the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, through a statement to the media issued on September 5 ahead of the event, said Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo was ‘leading efforts to consolidate gains made at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation by facilitating the prospect of a tripartite agreement on economic Integration [among] the countries of the Horn [of Africa].’
The statement further said the three leaders would also discuss ‘measures to end all political and social conflicts [among] the countries of the horn to promote harmony and a happy coexistence [among] neighbours of the region.’
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Saying ‘President Farmajo’s vision is to promote free trade flow, and a mutual economic cooperation among all the countries of the Horn of Africa’, the statement said ‘Somalia seeks to play a key role in economic and social integration of the Horn of Africa to foster trade and investment, and to improve connectivity among the people and businesses of the Horn.’
Somalia said it had signed China’s Belt and Road Initiative that enhances connectivity and promotes economic development, and an agreement on improving Economic and Technical Cooperation between itself and China.
‘Somalia’s ambition to take the lead in facilitating a robust Horn of Africa trade bloc would foster stronger economic stability and development for the Horn of Africa countries,’ the statement to the media read.
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