MOGADISHU, Dec. 14 (Xinhua) -- Eritrean and Somali leaders on Friday resolved to forge stronger partnerships to help strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries.
Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki and his Somali counterpart, Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo also reaffirmed their commitment to enhance the momentum in the Horn of Africa cooperation with a focus on regional partnership for common development, progress and prosperity.
"The two leaders emphasized that there are many common challenges ahead for which they will seek a common solution," said the two leaders in a communique issued at the end of president Afwerki's two-day visit to Somalia.
The two leaders also agreed to consolidate their mutual solidarity and support in addressing challenges that their nations face individually and collectively.
The Eritrean leader who arrived in Mogadishu on Thursday backed Somali government's endeavor in establishing Somali-led security institutions that have the ability to provide the peace and security across the country.
"Fully aware of the need for comprehensive and coordinated approach to tackle the modern-day risks of terrorism and poverty, the two leaders agreed to continue to forge a strong partnership that benefits the two nations and the region," the communique said.
They noted that effective regional cooperation is crucial for overcoming the common obstacles of insecurity, terrorism, poverty and environmental degradation facing the region.
The two leaders noted that peace and stability in Somalia is in the interest of the Somali people and the region as whole and cautioned that any attempt to derail the on-going momentum in the region will undoubtedly hamper the progress Somalia is making towards peace and reconciliation.
"The leaders are united to object the dissemination of any harmful, unsubstantiated and politically motivated misinformation and are calling all to positively contribute to the peace and stability in Somalia," they said.
The two leaders held a two-day consultative meeting in Mogadishu where they agreed to strengthen the two nations' historical relations through further cooperation in all areas of mutual benefit including trade, investment and people to people relations.
